Sports
Strength and Heritage: Reviving the spirit of traditional wrestling
Shea-wrestling may not be considered a popular sport in Ghana but in areas like Gonjaland, it can attract the masses.
Hundreds gather to cheer their favourites with chants, drumming, and sing traditional songs, providing entertainment to the local folks.
Shea-wrestling is another form of traditional wrestling that has taken centre stage among Gonjas.
The ancient sport, which dates back to centuries, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, drawing crowds from all corners of the country and getting the attention of both local and international media.
Shea-wrestling, deeply rooted in Gonja culture, is more than just a sport. It is a symbolic practice that blends physical prowess with spirituality, making it a unique and cherished tradition.
In recent years, however, it has evolved from a rural pastime into a national sport, with attempt to elevate it.
The sport has retained its traditional elements, where wrestlers still seek support from their clans, and matches are often accompanied by drumming, singing, and dancing.
Speaking to the Executive Director of Shea-Wrestling GH, Mr Habibu Muftawu, he noted that wrestlers are more than just athletes; they are celebrities. Wrestlers like Alhassan Abdul Mugis Dawuni and Salifu Abdul Mugis have become household names, celebrated for their strength, agility, and charisma.
He added that the wrestlers not only dominate the arena but also command significant influence off the field, with endorsements, social media followings, and appearances in popular culture, including the recent All-African Games.
Despite the financial challenges facing the resurgence of wrestling, Mr Muftawu explained that the sport is gradually generating revenue through wrestlers, merchandise, and tourism.
“The sport plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion. In a region with diverse ethnic groups and languages, it serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of shared identity and cultural pride,” he said.
Despite its modernisation, efforts are being made to preserve the traditional aspects of shea-wrestling.
Both Alhassan Abdul Mugis Dawuni and Salifu Abdul Mugis, who recently participated in the African Games in Accra, remarked that the exposure of competing on such a stage was a great reward, aside the financial benefits.
From Geoffrey Buta, Buipe
Sports
Kurt E.S Okraku elected CAF Executive Committee member
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has been successfully elected as a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The four-year term runs from 2025-2029.
The President, who was elected uncontested, joins the 24-member committee of the powerful body of the continent’s governing body.
Kurt Okraku’s election to the CAF Executive Committee comes as recognition of his remarkable leadership at the Football Association, where he has worked to rejuvenate Ghanaian football since taking office in 2019.
His efforts to enhance transparency, promote grassroots football, women’s football and focus on youth development have been well noted within the African football community.
With Ghana’s strong footballing tradition and legacy, the presence of the GFA boss on the CAF EXCO is seen as an opportunity to advance the interests of the country and help promote football development across Africa.
Mr. Okraku’s role will give Ghana a stronger voice in the decision-making processes that shape the future of football on the continent.
President Simeon-Okraku becomes the sixth Ghanaian to serve on the CAF Executive Committee in a list that includes Ohene Djan, Kobina Hagan, Nana Fredua Mensah, Samuel Okyere, and Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Sports
GFA concludes training of Club Safety and Security Officers and Regional Sports Security Officers
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has successfully concluded its training program for Club Safety and Security Officers (CSSOs) and Regional Sports Security Officers (RSSOs).
This comprehensive training, which took place from March 7 to March 10, 2025, aimed to throw more light on the enhance safety and security measures across Ghanaian football.
The training was conducted zonally, covering all 86 elite clubs and 16 regions. Participants were divided into three zones, with Zone 2 covering the Ashanti, Western, Western North, and Central Regions, and Zones 1 and 3 covering the remaining regions.
The training modules included:
Challenges of Safety and Security in Ghana: Identifying and addressing key safety and security concerns in Ghanaian football.
Roles of the Club Safety and Security Officer (CSSO) and collaboration with Regional Safety and Security Officers (RSSO): Defining the roles and responsibilities of CSSOs and RSSOs, and promoting effective collaboration between them.
Club Safety and Security Officer Checklist: Providing a comprehensive checklist for CSSOs to ensure that all safety and security protocols are in place.
Introduction to the Enhanced Safety and Security Protocols 2025: Introducing new safety and security protocols aimed at improving safety and security at match venues.
Practicum and scenario session: Providing hands-on training and scenario-based exercises to prepare participants for real-world safety and security challenges.
The training workshop was led by DCOP Lydia Donkor, Chairperson of the Security Committee. Others included Capt (Rtd) Nick Owusu, Vice Chairman of the Safety Committee, Julius Ben Emunah, Head of Competitions, John Ansah, Felix Bewu and Emmanuel Osei, members of the Safety and Security Committee.
This training is part of the GFA’s enhanced approach to ensuring improved safety and security at match venues across all competitions.
