Author: Theo Sampah || GOC Media
Ghana’s emerging canoeing programme announced its arrival on the continental stage with a historic bronze-medal performance at the ongoing Africa Youth Games, Angola 2025.
Making their maiden appearance in the history of the Games, the Ghanaian duo of Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel powered through the waters with courage, discipline and determination to clinch third place in the highly competitive 12-nation 1000 metres Canoe Double (C2) event, securing a podium finish for Team Ghana.
Against more established canoeing nations, the young paddlers refused to be intimidated. Stroke after stroke, they matched strength with strategy, holding their nerve in a demanding race that tested endurance and mental toughness. Their bronze medal not only marked a personal triumph but also signalled a major milestone for a growing sport in Ghana.
President of the Ghana Rowing and Canoeing Federation, Mr Kamal Sulley, who also served as an officiating official at the event, described the achievement as a significant leap forward.
“This is a major improvement on our performance at the recent ANOCA Schools Games in Algiers. The progress shown by these young athletes is remarkable and a clear indication that Ghana is moving in the right direction in rowing and canoeing,” he noted.
The duo’s impressive showing has not gone unnoticed beyond Africa. International observers at the Games have selected Maxwell Ofoi and Okronipa Ohene Emmanuel for a high-performance training camp in South Africa in January 2026, a crucial preparation phase toward the Junior World Cup Championship in Poznań, Poland.
For a sport still finding its footing in Ghana, this bronze medal represents more than just hardware. It is a story of belief, sacrifice and steady growth—proof that with commitment and opportunity, Ghanaian athletes can compete and excel on the global stage.
As Ghana continues to invest in lesser-known sports, the success of the canoeing team at Angola 2025 stands as an inspiration to young athletes across the country: that even on a first appearance, greatness is possible.
