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Report by ADU GYAMFI ODOPA
The Annual Marathon which is organised by Boamang – based Fish FM in the Afigya Kwabre North District of the Ashanti region, has been commended for raising athletes for Ghana National Athletics Team (GNAT).
Instituted by Dr Albert Kan Dapaah, the Minister of National Security, and a former Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fish FM, the Marathon was started in 2021.
The maiden edition saw Mr William Amponsah, who is now a national athlete, emerge the overall winner, clicking the ultimate prize of GH¢15,000.00
At the 2022 edition of the well – patronised marathon, Mr Atia Koologo, who is also a national athlete currently, won the overall prize.
The 2023 edition of the marathon witnessed more than 300 athletes including 96 females and 206 males from across the country, who sprinted in the 14.5 kilometres female race, and 21 kilometres male category.
The winner of the female category, Esther Yakubu,12 years, completed the 14 kilometres distance on arrival time of one hour, three minutes and fifty – two seconds (1:03:52).
Portia Anaaba,18 years, who emerged second used 1:04:30 while Abigail Abugri, 19 years, who won the third position uesd 1:04:57.
The winner of the male category, Ishmael Arthur, 25 years, won the race on 1:08:37, and Seidu Salifu who placed second completed the race on 1:08:48 while the third place was conquered by David Nakousi on 1:09:44.
Special awards were presented to Suleman Salamatu, 9 years from Nyinawusu who emerged as the youngest athlete of the competition, and Oduro Dwamena , 63 years from Offinso as the oldest runner of the Marathon.
Every participants took home GH¢200 in addition to 5 kilograms of rice, with the winner, first runner – up and second runner – up in the females category receiving GH¢11,000, GH¢8,000, and GH¢6,000 respectively in addition to medals, plaques and a trophy.
The winner of the male category, Ishmael Arthur, 25 years, received the ultimate prize of GH¢16,000, and GH¢10,000, GH¢8,000 for the first runner – up and second runner – ups respectively plus medals, plaques and a trophy.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Kwabre North Constituency, Collins Adomako – Mensah, as part of his contribution to sports development in the area, presented special cash prizes to natives of the constituency who performed creditably during the marathon.
In an interview with Journalists on 26th December, 2023 at Boamang – Maase, at the climax of the marathon, he said the annual showpiece was geared towards discovering hidden talents and shaping the skills of existing and known athletes.
Mr Adomako – Mensah noted that the marathon was also an avenue for interacting with constituents who had returned from other parts of the country and abroad for the Christmas festivities.
“It was an all fun – making event, networking, friendship among family, friends and loved ones. Market boomed for operators of other commercial ventures in the area” he stated.
The Afigya Kwabre North Parliamentarian expressed happiness about how the annual Boamang Marathon is making impacts in the country saying “i met the winner of the maiden edition at Birmingham with the national athletic team”.
Mr Adomako – Mensah disclosed that it was his vision to develop the Boamang Marathon to become an Ashanti Regional Marathon (ARM) to be hosted in Boamang every 26th December.
The MP, who is a member of the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, emphasized that Ghanaian young persons are naturally endowed with gifts and talents, and that when well – developed, the final beneficiary is the nation.
Mr Emmanuel Obibini Arthur, General Manager (GM), Boamang based Fish FM, expressed appreciation to Offen Petroleum, KGL Group, Huawei, AfroBullion Mine Limited and Okomfo Anokye Rural Bank Ltd among others for sponsoring the marathon.
The GM indicated that Fish FM, established in 2020 and operating from Boamang, the capital of Afigya Kwabre North District, is focused on promoting agriculture, education, and talent among other areas.
He hailed Dr Albert Kan Dapaah and spouse, the Board of Directors, the District Chief Executive of the area, Mr Collins Adomako – Mensah, management, listeners, clients, members of staff of Fish FM for supporting the activities of the radio station in 2023.
An athlete, John Mbawine, a beneficiary of the Boamang – based Fish FM Marathon 2023, reiterated his satisfaction on the organisation of the event including prizes and other goodies presented to them.
Though i did not win the overall prize, Afia Amponsah, a participant, said the excitement, the fun – making, friendship and amazing prizes at the event was enough adding “I’m going back to prepare adequately for 2024 edition”.
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