Ghana’s national weightlifting team has received significant support from businessman Michael Nii Yarboi Annan as they prepare for the African Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Mauritius.
The sponsorship addresses longstanding financial challenges that have hindered the team’s international participation.
Annan, an accountant and financial expert who goes by the nickname “The DON,” has been actively involved with the team through regular visits to training sessions. During the team’s departure at Kotoka International Airport, he emphasized the national importance of their mission. “You represent Ghana’s strength and determination on this continental stage,” Annan told the athletes.
The sponsorship covers essential costs including travel and accommodation, removing barriers that have previously limited Ghana’s presence at such competitions. Annan’s engagement extends beyond financial support, as he has declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation. His platform focuses on sustainable funding models and improved training infrastructure for athletes.
National team coaches have welcomed the intervention, noting it comes at a critical time as the African Championships serve as a qualifying event for major international competitions. “This support provides our athletes with the opportunity to compete on equal footing with other nations,” said a federation spokesperson.
The Ghana Weightlifting Federation has faced chronic underfunding for years, with athletes often training without proper equipment or international exposure. Annan’s involvement signals potential for systemic changes in how the sport is supported in Ghana.
As the team prepares for competition, this sponsorship represents more than immediate financial relief. It highlights the growing role of private sector engagement in sports development across Africa, where government funding frequently falls short of athletes’ needs. Successful performance in Mauritius could mark a turning point for Ghanaian weightlifting, potentially attracting further investment and attention to the sport.
The relationship between private sponsorship and athletic achievement continues to evolve in Ghana’s sports landscape. While immediate outcomes will be measured in competition results, the long term impact may be seen in improved training systems and greater opportunities for Ghanaian weightlifters internationally. This model of support, combining financial backing with administrative ambition, could establish a template for other disciplines struggling with similar challenges.
