Ghana won two gold medals at the just ended 2021 Arnold Classic Africa in South Africa.
The Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBFA), the body mandated by the National Sports Authority (NSA) to control the development of bodybuilding and fitness activities in Ghana registered 8 athletes (7 bodybuilders and 1 female bikini athlete) to participate in this year’s event.
The athletes; Godwin Frimpong, Joseph Ofolikwei, Arnold Aryee, Evans Amwagsi, Micheal Otu, Abraham Mawutor, Celestine Dogbeda, James Atsu and two GBFA executives, Charles Owusu Ansah and Rosemary Yayra left Ghana on the 16th of November to represent the country at the event.
The Arnold Classic championship is an event put together worldwide on each continent to celebrate bodybuilding great Arnold Schwarzenegger each year. It is the biggest bodybuilding event on the African continent.
After registration and the competition on the 21st of November, two Ghanaians; James Atsu and Michael Otu who were registered in the men’s Bodybuilding Up To 80kg placed 2nd and 4th respectively.
In the men’s Bodybuilding Up To 90kg, Godwin Frimpong, Evans Amwagsi and Abraham Mawutor placed 1st, 2nd and 4th respectively.
In the men’s Bodybuilding Up To 100kg, Joseph Ofolikwei placed 1st.
Both Arnold Aryee (masters) and Celestine Dogbeda (female Bikini) who were competing internationally for the first time couldn’t make it to the top 6 in their respective categories.
In all, Ghana won two gold medals, two silver medals and two 4th placed medals.
The president of the GBFA said “Ghana always perform very well, flying high the flag of Ghana anytime we travel out to represent the country in international events and Ghana bodybuilding is now given the needed respect when it comes to competing internationally.
“We’ve done some good job with bodybuilding in this country over the years with our own funding and I think it’s high time the authorities above give bodybuilding the needed financial support to continue the development of the sport in Ghana.
“Next year will be a busy year for bodybuilding in Ghana and bodybuilding seriously need the support of the NSA and the Sports Ministry”
Credit: GBFA
