Ghana’s weightlifting scene received a major boost as the President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF) and Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, officially commissioned the newly renovated National Weightlifting Training Center at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The facility, which had been inactive for nearly a year, has undergone extensive renovations to improve training conditions and enhance the development of weightlifting in Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Shaib praised the commitment of the Federation’s members and highlighted the significance of the upgrade.
“As many of you know, this gym has been out of operation for close to a year as we undertook much-needed renovations to modernize the facility. Today, we are not just reopening a gym—we are celebrating a vision of growth, progress, and success for weightlifting in Ghana.”
He further emphasized that the refurbished center is not only for Ghanaian weightlifters but will also welcome international athletes, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in the sport.
“Our goal is to provide world-class training conditions for Ghanaian athletes while also creating an environment where foreign lifters can train. Additionally, we are committed to developing young talent, increasing Ghana’s presence in international competitions, and promoting weightlifting as both a sport and a lifestyle.”
A special thank you to Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, Mr. Isaac Tetteh (TT Brothers), Paa Kwesi of Jubilee Sports, and Multi Pro Ghana Limited (producers of Indomie) for their unwavering support in making this project possible.
I am also excited to announce that Ghana will host the 2025 Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship from August 15–22, 2025, a proud moment for our country.
To our athletes: this is your time. Train hard, stay focused, and make Ghana proud!
Calls for More Investment in Weightlifting
The special guest of the occasion, HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah, underscored weightlifting’s potential to deliver multiple medals for Ghana.
“A single weightlifter can win as many as 13 medals in one competition. Time and again, these so-called ‘lesser-funded’ sports have put Ghana on the international map. Ghana is currently ranked fifth in African weightlifting, and I urge more young people to take up the sport.”
He further called for increased investment in weightlifting and other non-football sports.
“If just one percent of the resources allocated to the Black Stars were channeled into weightlifting and similar disciplines, Ghanaian athletes would consistently bring home more medals. We must stop sending the message that football is the only viable sporting path for our youth.”
Government’s Commitment to Sports Development
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, commended the Ghana Weightlifting Federation under Hon. Shaib’s leadership for delivering a vital facility that will benefit the country’s athletes.
Acknowledging the broader challenges facing Ghana’s sporting associations—particularly the lack of infrastructure and equipment—Hon. Adams noted that this renovation is a step in the right direction.
“With this upgraded facility, Ghanaian weightlifters can now train under better conditions and compete at the highest levels. This is a significant milestone for the sport.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all sporting disciplines, including those that receive less financial backing.
“President John Mahama has a vision to reset the country and work with all citizens to build the Ghana we want. Sports play a crucial role in this agenda, and we call on all stakeholders—regardless of their beliefs or affiliations—to contribute to uplifting Ghanaian sports.”
The Minister assured stakeholders of his unwavering support.
“My doors are always open, and I am happy to engage with stakeholders to explore ways to promote sports and recreation for the benefit of our athletes and the nation as a whole.”
With this state-of-the-art facility now operational, Ghanaian weightlifters have a solid foundation to excel on the international stage and further elevate the nation’s status in the sport.
