Houadjeto chairs LOC for 2026 African Armwrestling Championships
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has inaugurated a 7-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, to take charge of the 15th African Armwrestling Championships slated for Accra, Ghana, April 29 to May 4, 2026.
The annual Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA) event returns to Accra for a third time following hosting successes in 2018 and 2023, affirming Ghana’s burgeoning reputation as a hub and epicentre of the sport on the continent.
The 5-day tournament is expected to bring together over 450 of Africa's best armwrestlers from over 22 countries competing across various weight categories, in a competition that also serves as qualifiers to the 2027 Cairo African Games in Egypt.
Administering the oath of office at the Ministries in Accra yesterday, Mr Adams tasked the LOC to stage a world-class event that would surpass previous editions, as well as showcase Ghana’s hospitality, organisational excellence, and sporting spirit.
Promote unity
"This event provides an excellent exposure for Ghana to promote unity through sport. I want to express my confidence in the dedication, commitment and hard work of this LOC to ensure a successful championship," the Sports Minister said.
"I call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, sponsors and the media, to support this noble endeavour. Let us work together to make “Accra 2026” a resounding success and a memorable chapter in Africa’s armwrestling history," he said.
Other members of the LOC are Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum of Kofikrom Pharmacy and Vice-President of Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), ACI Gordon Saah (Ghana Immigration Service), Edwin Amankwah (Global Media), Gideon Hammond (NSA Deputy Director-General), Jessica Kwarteng (Ministry of Sports and Recreation) and Andre Ackah (AAG).
"We pledge to collaborate with stakeholders across public and private sectors to ensure this championships leave a lasting legacy, not only for armwrestling but Ghana's broader sports tourism agenda," the LOC Chairperson, Mrs Houadjeto, said in a speech read on her behalf.
"I am particularly passionate about the role of sports in inspiring young people. Platforms such as this championship send a powerful message to our youth - that talent when matched with discipline, opportunity and the right support systems, can reach the global stage," she added.
