The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have reaffirmed their dominance on the national athletics scene with a medal-rich performance at the 2024 Accra Athletics Championship, held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
With a commanding display of strength and endurance, the military contingent topped the medal table, claiming a total of 17 medals — eight gold, five silver, and four bronze — outshining teams from six regions and over 600 competing athletes.
Rather than merely showcasing their fitness, the GAF team used the platform to make a strong case for inclusion in Ghana’s international athletics squad, as the nation prepares for upcoming continental events.
Star distance runner Ismael Arthur led the charge with a gutsy run in the men’s 5000m, outpacing seasoned competitors to take gold. In the field events, Otchere Mensah soared to victory in the long jump, while Bugase Rexford hurled his way to gold in the discus.
Meanwhile, Teye Gabriel Asare (javelin), Mammoudu Baba (400m hurdles), and Abotsi Daniel (1500m) added to the team’s impressive medal tally, highlighting the Army’s depth across multiple disciplines. Female athletes were not left out, with Abali Rosemond dominating the shot put and Saraphina Adombila clinching gold in the 800m event.
The team’s cohesion and preparation were evident throughout the competition, with notable contributions from athletes like Solomon Diafo, Coffie Albert, and Ocansey Kennedy, whose collective effort solidified the GAF’s athletic supremacy.
Commenting on the team’s performance, Ghana Athletics Vice President Charles Osei Asibey applauded the GAF athletes, stressing the need for continued improvement and preparation ahead of upcoming international meets.
“These performances show that our athletes are primed for greater things,” he told the Ghana News Agency. “With the junior competitions in Nigeria and senior events ahead, we are confident that Ghana will be well represented.”
With the Ghana Athletics National Championship scheduled for August, all eyes will now be on which standout performers from the Armed Forces make the cut for international duty, as the country looks to bolster its medal prospects on the global stage.
