Bowls: Navy’s Divine Focus crowned champions at historic debut
A new chapter in Ghana’s sporting history was written last week with the successful conclusion of the maiden Armed Forces Bowls Championship, where Divine Focus of the Ghana Navy emerged as the first-ever national bowls champions.
The Navy trio of Theophilus Nii Teiko Seel Tagoe, Gabriel Teye Wayoe and Jonathan Cudjoe displayed grit and precision to defeat the ‘Magic
Three’ of the Ghana Army in a fiercely contested final that brought the two-day tournament to an exciting close last Thursday at the Ghana Armed Forces Sports Complex, Burma Camp.
Army’s Prince Boateng, Akosua Dzegu and Seth Botchway fought valiantly, but the composure and tactical edge of Divine Focus carried the day.
The event, which also featured sides Golden Bowls and Go Get Them, was more than just a competition; it was the official planting of bowls on Ghanaian soil.
It follows the formal launch of the Ghana Bowls Federation in Accra just two months ago, an occasion supervised by World Bowls Federation President, Brett O’Riley.
The June 26 launch marked Ghana’s entry as the first West African country to embrace the sport, with aspirations of competing internationally and building the game from the grassroots.
With bowls now formally adopted as an official sport by the Ghana Armed Forces, the military service stepped forward to host the pioneering tournament.
The Federation President, Charles Obeng Amofah, hailed the success of the championship, pledging sustained support to grow the sport. He further donated a complete set of bowls and balls to the Armed Forces team as a gesture of commitment.
Adding an extra layer of prestige, the championship was officiated by internationally recognised referees Jeanette Williams and Dirk Malomgre, nominated by World Bowls, ensuring the tournament met global standards.
In the final, Divine Focus’s star, Gabriel Teye Wayoe, produced standout performances and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.
Rising teenage talent Genevieve Ntaaga of Go Get Them also caught the eye, underlining the sport’s bright future in Ghana. In a nod to development at the grassroots level, children at the venue were given the chance to try their hands at bowls, hinting at the next generation of talent.
The final drew an impressive roll call of dignitaries, including the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah; the NSA COO, Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere; the GAF Sports Director, Col. Richard Akoto; the MD of DK & RD Co Ltd, lead sponsor of the event, Nana Kweku Mensah; Madam Debbie Moore, Captain Gershon Adase Archibald Darko (MD of So Sayus Cleaning Company) and executives of Namova Co Ltd, who are also sponsors.
“What we are witnessing here today is a historic step in diversifying Ghana’s sporting landscape,” the NSA boss, Mr Ampofo Ankrah, said, praising the Armed Forces for their pioneering role.
“The Armed Forces have shown leadership once again, and the NSA will continue to support initiatives that create opportunities for young talents in less-highlighted sports,” he said.
