The Ghana Armwrestling Federation, in its quest to encourage participation in sport by the security services, has called on the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who has pledged her commitment to prioritise sports, particularly Armwrestling, as a major tool in lifting the image of the Ghana Prisons Service.

 Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) and Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), who led the delegation, said, a relationship with the Prisons Service would yield positive results culminating in the Prisons Service producing national and continental champions.

 He recalled years back when the Ghana Prisons Service used to be a tough competitor in sports, producing some top-notch and notable athletes like Felix Aboagye, Eric Nkansah, Mark Anthony Awere, etc. for Ghana.

"Sports, when revamped in the service, would have diverse benefits.

It can be used for public relations, rebranding purposes and also as a platform for Internally Generated Funds for the Service.

A lot must be done to avert the dwindling fortunes of sports"

 He congratulated Mrs Baffoe Bonnie and wished her well in the years ahead.

 On her part, the Director-General said sports contribute immensely to building officers and inmates both physically and mentally.

 "I have played and administered sports throughout my life.

This made me disciplined,  active and has played a key role in where I am today.

Sports built my confidence and gave me the platform to shine, so I know what sports can do and how they can transform individuals into becoming better people", she said.

 She said the Directorate has begun engagement with other authorities to get inmates and officers of the Prisons Service to actively play sports for correction and uncovering  more talents.

 Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie again assured that her office would do its utmost best to make Armwrestling a frontliner in the service in changing the narratives and image of the Prison Service.  

 "This transformational plan will serve as a cornerstone for the successful reintegration of prisoners, equipping them with essential skills and confidence for the future," she added.

The Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Armwrestling Federation in the meeting mutually agreed to immediately commence the training and establishment of an Armwrestling club made up of officers and inmates to dominate the local scene.

Present at the meeting were the Vice President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Technical Director, Mr. Husseini Akuetteh Addy, Greater Accra Armwrestling Secretary, Mr. Henry Quarshie and Mr. Prosper Ashiquaye of the Volta Regional Armwrestling.

 The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service has since been named as a patron of Ghana Armwrestling.