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
Bawumia Has Good Ideas And Programmes For Ghana, Not 24-Hour Discos– Pres Akufo-Addo
The President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is confident that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia remains best qualified on our political market to lead the country into the much desired fourth industrial revolution.
According to the President, who is currently on a two-day visit of the Northern, North East and Savanna regions, Dr. Bawumia has been well prepared, and he is now ready to become President.
Whilst asking for the support and effort of the Nayiri and the people of Mamprugu for their son, the Vice President, President Akufo-Addo said, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a man of good ideas and good programmes for the country.
“He is not proposing 24-hour discotheques. He is the man best qualified to lead Ghana into the fourth industrial revolution. So I want us to work together make sure he becomes the next president of this country,” he said.
Establishing the premise of his remarks, President Akufo-Addo said he is asking for the support not just because he is a son of Mampruguland, but because, “Dr Bawumia is extremely competent, fit and able to be our next President.
“I’ve worked with him for these past sixteen years and apart from being capable, competent and intellectually well-endowed, he is also a man of great loyalty, principled and honest. I am confident that if the people of Ghana agree with me and give him the chance, he will make an excellent President,” he added.
He was confident that if Ghanaians agree with him, and give Dr Bawumia the chance, “he will make an excellent President.”
According to him “Like all big Chiefs get concerned about matters relating to who succeeds them the person who will occupy your seat after you, the difference between us is that you will never know who will follow you, but in my case, I will know who will follow me.”
“Because you are a monarch and you will reign until you die, its only after your death that your successor is chosen, but I am a republican and democratic Chief, and I know who will succeed me. So I’ve come here to ask for your support to make sure that your son, my Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia succeeds me,” he concluded.
Sports
Appiah Kubi named Ex-National Goalkeepers Union best Premier League goalkeeper for September
Medeama SC’s Appiah Kubi has been named September’s Goalkeeper of the Month, recognizing his outstanding performances in the Ghana Premier League’s opening round.
The talented shot-stopper achieved two clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League victories during September.
Notably, Kubi is the first Medeama SC goalkeeper to receive this award since the 2023/24 season.
The shot stopper will receive a pair of gloves, branded towel, water bottles and T-shirt from the Ex- National Goalkeepers Union (NEGU).
