Ghana Launches 2025 African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Ghana Olympic Committee boardroom hosted the official media launch of the 2025 African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Present at the ceremony were key figures from the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), including President Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Board Member Mohammed Liman, Deputy General Secretary Gideon Sackey, Head of Communications Nana Kwame Dankwa, and other executives of the Federation.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ahmed Shaib expressed his pride in Ghana’s hosting of the championship and the responsibility that comes with it. “It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today as President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation,” he stated.
“We are gathered here for an important milestone, the media launch of the 2025 African Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, proudly hosted here in our beloved city of Accra.”
He revealed that Ghana secured the hosting rights in November 2024, but national events and an election impasse initially slowed down preparations. However, he reassured the public that planning never came to a halt.
“I want to assure you that behind the scenes, work never stopped,” he said. “Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly to ensure that Ghana delivers a world class championship.”
The President also confirmed that the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium will serve as the official competition venue.
In terms of accommodation, partnerships have been secured with Accra City Hotel and Central Hotel to ensure comfort and convenience for visiting teams and officials.
The GWF acknowledged the strong support received from the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA), which has contributed $15,000 towards the event.
“We are grateful for the support from WFA, and we have formally notified the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority,” Mr. Ahmed noted. “We await further support from them as we move forward.”
With over 300 athletes and officials expected, the championship is shaping up to be a grand gathering of African weightlifting talent.
“As of the close of preliminary entries, we have received interest from over 20 countries including Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and of course, Ghana,” he shared.
Final confirmations of participation are anticipated by July 17. The event is also expected to host top dignitaries from both the African and International Weightlifting Federations.
Mr. Ahmed made an earnest call for national support.
“To successfully host a championship of this magnitude and quality, we estimate a minimum requirement of 1,000,000 Ghana Cedis,” he appealed.
“With your partnership, we can not only meet this target but exceed expectations. Let us raise the bar for sports development in Ghana and showcase our nation’s excellence, hospitality, and resilience.”
By; Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
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