Accra, May 6, 2025 – Ghana’s national weightlifting team, the Black Cranes, presented their medals from the Africa Seniors Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius to the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, at a ceremony at the NSA office in Accra.
The team, which recently returned from the championship, put up an impressive performance despite facing numerous challenges. Team captain Gabriel Owusu led the charge, securing three silver medals for Ghana in the +109kg category. Paul Agramah finished fifth in the 55kg class, while the sole female team member, Marrie Koko Agbah Hughes, placed sixth in the +87kg category after arriving late for the competition. Sylvanus Kwame Kugblenu was unable to compete due to technical issues.
Owusu expressed deep gratitude to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams and the NSA Director-General for their timely intervention, which ensured the team’s participation after initial administrative challenges.
“We faced many obstacles before traveling, but the Minister and Mr. Ampofo Ankrah were able to rescue them. Presenting these medals is our way of thanking them—especially, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. who has been a blessing to Ghana weightlifting,” Owusu said.
In a moving gesture, Owusu personally handed his medals to Mr. Ampofo Ankrah as a token of appreciation. The NSA Director-General praised the team’s resilience and dedication stating, “the Black Cranes embody the true Ghanaian spirit—determined, united and unyielding he further said the NSA remains committed to supporting them to achieve even greater success.”
Mr. Owusu ended the presentation with a plea statement, asking for the NSA Boss to intervene in the current issues the weightlifting federation to bring peace and progress for the betterment of the Sports.
With their sights set on future international competitions, the Black Cranes have already resumed training, aiming to surpass their latest achievements.
Present at the meeting was the Deputy Director General Mr. Gideon Hammond, Head of Technical, NSA- Mr. Jeffery Owusu.
Story by Joan Oduro-Nyarko
NSA-PR
