Ghana’s weightlifting team won a total of 13 medals at the just-ended African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship held at the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.
The team secured six gold, one silver and six bronze medals at the continental event, which featured over 200 athletes and officials from 13 African countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia.
Emmanuel Amo Boateng was Ghana’s standout performer, claiming three gold medals in the boys’ 71kg division after dominating the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift events.
He was joined by Salim Abdul, who also won three gold medals in the boys’ 110kg category with a commanding display that reaffirmed Ghana’s strength in the heavier divisions.
In addition, Emmanuel Nii Allotey contributed to the medal tally by winning two bronze medals in his weight class, while other members of the team added to Ghana’s final haul.
The five-day championship, staged from August 18 to 22, marked the first time Ghana hosted the African Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship. The refurbished Ga Mashie Hall, located within the Trust Sports Emporium, was commended for providing a fitting venue for the international competition.
The 13-medal finish placed Ghana among the leading nations at the event and highlighted the progress of the country’s youth and junior lifters. Officials of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation described the performance as a strong foundation to build on ahead of future continental and global tournaments.