Abigail Fremah of Ghana has been awarded as the African Armwrestling Referee of the Year. The Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA) gave her this award after a year of excellent work at major tournaments.
Fremah quickly became known on the world stage after starting just a year ago. She has since built her experience by overseeing matches at other key African championships. Her success is breaking new ground, inspiring more women to enter a field that has been mostly led by men.
Her clear and calm way of officiating at the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship in Nigeria won high praise from both athletes and federation officials.
In a special year end message, AFA President Mr. Charles Osei Asibey congratulated Fremah and other award winners for their hard work. “As the curtain closes on 2025, it is with immense pride that I send you this message,” he said. “This has been a huge year, where the strength and passion of African Armwrestling truly showed on the global stage.”
He noted that despite challenges, the federation not only met its goals but set new standards, showing the sport is growing well.
Mr. Asibey highlighted the 14th African Championship in Abuja as a key event, which displayed the rising talent from nations like Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. He also shared a major step for inclusivity, with Para-Armwrestling being added to the first West Africa Para Games. “The inspiring performances by our Para-athletes made Armwrestling a leading sport for accessibility in the region,” he added.
On his own re-election as Vice President of the World Armwrestling Federation (WAF), Mr. Asibey said it shows the world recognizes Africa’s progress in the sport.
He called on all national federations to start preparing for the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship. This event will be the required qualifier for the Armwrestling events at the 2027 African Games in Egypt.
“Our main goal for 2026 is to work harder in all member nations so Armwrestling can gain official Sport Code Status,” Mr. Asibey stated.
Abigail Fremah and the other seven award winners will be honored at the next Africa Armwrestling Champions event.
Full List of AFA 2025 Award Winners:
· National Team of the Year – Benin
· Fastest Growing Team – Cameroon
· Male Puller of the Year – Daniel Acquah (Ghana)
· Female Puller of the Year – Mabel Yeboah (Ghana)
· Coach of the Year – Geremie (Benin)
· Referee of the Year – Abigail Fremah (Ghana)
· Para Athlete of the Year – Omar Said
· Most Promising Puller – Ange Mete
