Ghana’s karate stars pick up five medals at UFAK Championship

Ghana’s national karate team has returned home with five medals from the 2024 Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) West Region 2 Championship, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The championship, staged at the Palais des Sports de Treichville from 16 to 22 December, brought together karatekas from eight nations, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, Niger, Togo, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire. 

Competing in kumite and kata events across cadet, junior, and senior categories, the championship was a showcase of skill, determination, and regional rivalry.

Ghana fielded a 20-member squad but managed to secure five podium finishes. Gabriel Commodore, competing in the Cadet Male Individual Kumite (-52 kg), led the medal haul with a bronze. 

Joseph Botchway (Junior Male Individual Kumite, -55 kg), Gideon Ashiley (Senior Male Individual Kumite, -75 kg), and Felix Annan (Senior Male Individual Kumite, +84 kg) also claimed bronze medals in their respective categories. 

The standout performance came from Edward Amartey, who won silver in the Cadet Male Individual Kumite (-57 kg), marking Ghana’s best result in the tournament.

Despite their valiant efforts, Ghana finished fourth in the overall medal standings. Nigeria secured third place with seven medals (three gold, three silver, and one bronze). 

Hosts Côte d’Ivoire dominated with 38 medals (12 gold, 12 silver, and 14 bronze), while Burkina Faso emerged as the undisputed champions, clinching an impressive 67 medals, including 16 gold.

The tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness of karate in West Africa as Ghana’s athletes tested their mettle against some of the region’s best. 

The team’s performance offers hope for the future, with many of the young athletes gaining valuable international experience.

As the sport continues to develop in Ghana, the nation’s karate federation will look to build on these successes, setting sights on more podium finishes in future continental and global events.

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