The Ghana Weightlifting Federation has officially launched the 2025 Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship, set to take place from August 17th to 22nd, 2025, at the Ga Mashie Hall, Trust Sports Emporium in Accra.
The launch ceremony, held at the board room of the Ghana Olympic Committee on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Ghana’s weightlifting community.
The championship is expected to welcome over 300 athletes and officials from more than 20 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and host nation Ghana. Distinguished leaders such as the Presidents and Secretary-Generals of the Weightlifting Federation of Africa and the International Weightlifting Federation are also expected to attend.
In his keynote address, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, expressed pride and a deep sense of responsibility in hosting this prestigious continental event. Despite initial challenges, including national events and an election impasse, Shaib assured that the federation has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a world-class championship.
“We are pleased to announce that the Ga Mashie Hall of the Trust Sports Emporium has been confirmed as the official venue for the competition,” Shaib said. “We have also secured partnerships with the Accra City Hotel and Central Hotel to provide quality accommodation for our guests.”
The Ghana Weightlifting Federation has received encouraging support from the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA), which has contributed $15,000 towards the event. The federation is also awaiting further support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority.
Shaib made a passionate appeal to stakeholders, both public and private, to join hands with the federation to successfully host the championship, which is estimated to require a minimum of 1 million Ghana Cedis. “Together, let us raise the bar for sports development in Ghana and showcase our nation’s capacity to host world-class events,” he said.
Gideon Sackey, Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, described the championship as a celebration of strength, discipline, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of youth development through sports. “This championship is more than just a competition; it is a testament to the strides we have made and the confidence the continent and international weightlifting community have in our capability,” Sackey said.
He called on all Ghanaians to come together, raise the bar for sports development, and showcase the nation’s capacity to host world-class events.
The media launch marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Ghana’s weightlifting community, and the federation is looking forward to using this platform to promote weightlifting, foster unity, and showcase Ghanaian hospitality.
The ceremony was attended by key officials of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, including Hon. Ahmed Jerry Shaib, President; Gideon Sackey, Deputy General Secretary; Liman Mohamed, Board Member; and Daniel Nana Kwame Dankwa, Communication Director.
