Ishmael Arthur and Abdulai Ramata Triumph at Ghana Mountain and Trail Race
Ishmael Arthur of the Ghana Armed Forces and Abdulai Ramata of High Morale Athletics Academy have etched their names in the history books in the road running events in Ghana, West Africa, as the inaugural champions of the Ghana Mountain and Trail 2025 race. This landmark 10 km competition, meticulously organised by the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation (GMTF) on Saturday, February 1, 2025, attracted an impressive turnout of over a hundred athletes.
The event took place between the two twin regions in Ghana. The race started at Oyarifa in the Greater Accra Region and ended at the Methodist Primary Basic School, Peduase, in the Eastern Region. The event served as a pivotal platform to foster the development and promotion of mountain and trail racing within Ghana.
Arthur exhibited extraordinary endurance and athletic prowess, completing the challenging course in 35:15.16 seconds to claim the ultimate prize in the male category. Meanwhile, Abdulai Ramata delivered a stellar performance in the female category, securing victory with a commendable time of 45:18.44 seconds. The demanding terrain, characterised by steep inclines, rugged slopes, and treacherous trails, provided all participants with a rigorous test of stamina, agility, mental fortitude, and toughness.
Following his remarkable victory, Ishmael Arthur reflected on the race as an intense yet rewarding experience. “This race was a true test of strength and resilience. The course was exceptionally challenging, but it provided the perfect opportunity for me to push my physical and mental limits.” He further emphasized his aspirations for future achievements, stating, “This victory serves as a powerful motivation for me to intensify my training and strive for even greater milestones in the realm of mountain and trail racing.”
Equally elated by her historic triumph, Abdulai Ramata expressed immense joy and gratitude for her achievement. “I am absolutely thrilled to have made history as the first female winner of this prestigious event. This victory inspires me to work harder, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to defend my title in the next edition of the race,” she stated enthusiastically. Ramata also underscored the importance of consistent competition in refining her skills, affirming, “The more I participate in such challenging races, the better I will become. I am keen to embrace new challenges and continuously push my limits to reach the pinnacle of success.”
The competition recognised and rewarded outstanding performances, with the top 10 finishers in both categories receiving cash prizes; the top 3 podium finishers also received medals; the 11th–20th athletes also received souvenirs; and all participants were also awarded certificates.
In the male category, Basit Afful also finished second in a time of 35:30.44 seconds, and David Nakousi of the University of Ghana also secured the third position in a time of 36:05.09 seconds, respectively.
In the female category, there was also another intense battle among them; the young and new athlete Magdalene Akotia claimed the runner-up position in a time of 45:59.31 seconds, followed by Saraphina Adombilla in third place in a time of 48:33.47 seconds.
The resounding success of this inaugural event has set a promising precedent for the future of mountain and trail racing in Ghana. The Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation remains committed to fostering the growth of this exhilarating sport by organising more competitions, providing athletes with opportunities to hone their skills, and elevating the nation’s presence on the global stage of endurance racing.
Women Top 3
- Abdulai Ramata – 45:18.44 seconds
- Magdalane Akotia – 45:59.31 seconds
- Saraphina Adombilla – 48:33.47 seconds
Men Top 3
- Arthur Ishmael -35:15.16 seconds
- Bassit Afful – 35:30.44 seconds
- David Nakousi – 36:05.09 seconds