Report: Ishmael Arthur and Abdulai Ramata Dominate Inaugural Ghana Mountain and Trail Race
Source: http://www.richportaltv.com
Report: Ishmael Arthur and Abdulai Ramata dominate the inaugural Ghana Mountain and Trail race 2025. The eagerly awaited maiden edition of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Race 2025 successfully took place on Saturday, 1 February 2025. This historic event marked the first-ever Ghana Athletics-sanctioned national mountain and trail race, setting a precedent for the future of off-road endurance running in the country.
A Scenic and Challenging Course
The competition spanned two regions, starting from Oyarifa in the Greater Accra Region and culminating at the Methodist Primary Basic School in Peduase, Eastern Region. The race provided a significant platform to promote and develop mountain and trail racing in Ghana. Known for its picturesque yet demanding terrain, the Aburi Mountains and its surrounding areas offered an ideal setting with cool, fresh breezes and varying elevations, making it a true test of endurance and strategy for all participants.
The race commenced at exactly 7:30 AM, with the weather conditions proving to be optimal for distance running. The event attracted a mix of experienced long-distance runners and emerging athletes eager to make a mark on Ghana’s growing endurance sports scene.
Women’s Race: Abdulai Ramata Triumphs in Dominant Fashion
The women’s race witnessed an intense battle among some of Ghana’s finest distance runners. Abdulai Ramata, representing High Morale Athletics Academy, delivered a masterclass in tactical execution. Right from the start, she controlled the pace, steadily widening her lead in the second half of the 10-kilometer race. Demonstrating exceptional endurance and strategic running, Ramata crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 45:18.44 seconds, setting the first-ever course record for the event.
In second place was Magdalene Akotia, who maintained a calculated approach to avoid early burnout. Breaking away from a chase pack of four runners at the 5-kilometre mark, she secured the second position in 45:59.31 seconds.
A major surprise came in the battle for third place as Saraphina Adombilla, a specialist in the 800m track event, outperformed several distance-running specialists. Despite her background in shorter races, she exhibited remarkable stamina to claim third place in 48:33.47 seconds.
Post-Race Reactions
- Abdulai Ramata: “I am thrilled to make history as the first female champion of this event. This victory motivates me to train harder and defend my title in the next edition. The more I compete in such challenging races, the stronger I become.”
Abdulai Ramata winner of the women’s race
- Magdalene Akotia: “I was aiming for first place, but I am content with my performance. The course was extremely tough, but I will train harder for future competitions. I am always ready to represent Ghana.”
Magdalene Akotia, the second-place finisher, and her mother.
- Saraphina Adombilla: “I didn’t expect to finish on the podium, but as the race progressed, I found myself pushing forward. The route was difficult, especially the hills, but I am proud of my performance.”
Top 10 Female Finishers
| Position | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdulai Ramata | 45:18.44 |
| 2 | Magdalene Akotia | 45:59.31 |
| 3 | Saraphina Adombilla | 48:33.47 |
| 4 | Banganuor Harunah | 49:20.06 |
| 5 | Azuure Elizabeth | 49:39.69 |
| 6 | Mary Kancho | 50:24.38 |
| 7 | Vida Ayaayine | 53:28.84 |
| 8 | Titi Rosina | 54:48.94 |
| 9 | An-Makyie Kening | 55:52.50 |
| 10 | Schadt Melanie | 59:06.56 |
Men’s Race: Ishmael Arthur’s Strategic Brilliance Secures Victory
The men’s race featured an elite lineup, with early frontrunner Abotsi Gawuga Daniel setting a strong pace. However, as the competition progressed, a select group of experienced athletes took control. Among them were Ishmael Arthur, John Kudanu, Seidu Salifu, Bassit Afful, and David Nakousi, all of whom engaged in a fierce battle from the 5-kilometer mark onward.
Displaying exceptional strategy, Ishmael Arthur made his decisive move beneath the trail section, where he managed to break away from the pack. As the steep, muddy inclines tested the athletes’ endurance, Arthur surged ahead, showcasing his superior strength and resilience. He crossed the finish line in 35:15.16 seconds, securing a well-earned fought victory.
Coming in second was Bassit Afful, who kept up with Arthur for most of the race before finishing in 35:30.44 seconds. The battle for third place was intense, with David Nakousi out-sprinting John Kudanu in the final 30 meters, clocking 36:50.09 seconds to claim the last podium spot.
Post-Race Reactions
- Ishmael Arthur: “This race was incredibly challenging, and I had to rely on experience rather than pure speed. Running on hilly terrain is far different from flat-road racing. On a normal surface, I could have finished in 29 minutes, but given the difficulty of this course, I am satisfied with my time.”
- Leroy Dela Amematekpor (Participant): “I was near the back of the pack, but I finished! The hills were a huge challenge, but I am motivated to train and return stronger next year.”
Leroy Dela Amematekpor Ghana Mountain and Trail finisher.
- Schadt Melanie (German national athlete): “I loved the race! The trail sections were difficult, but the views were stunning. I will definitely come back next year.”
Schadt Melanie (German Athlete). Placed 10th in the women’s category.
Top 10 Male Finishers
| Position | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ishmael Arthur | 35:15.16 |
| 2 | Bassit Afful | 35:30.44 |
| 3 | David Nakousi | 36:05.09 |
| 4 | John Kudanu | 36:15.78 |
| 5 | Seidu Salifu | 36:40.88 |
| 6 | Abotsi Gawuga Daniel | 37:05.47 |
| 7 | Ayisi Godfred | 38:46.59 |
| 8 | Inusah Abanga | 38:53.03 |
| 9 | Hassan Justice | 39:12.53 |
| 10 | Frimpong Daniel | 39:22.38 |
Organizers’ Feedback and Future Prospects
The event organisers expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the race.
- Vice President of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, W02 Smith Clement Danyagri: “The organization of the event was excellent. This being our maiden edition, we are pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm from the athletes. The future editions will be even bigger.”
- General Secretary of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, WO1 Moro Salifu: “The event was great, although the late announcement affected overall participation. However, having a foreign athlete from Germany join us was a good sign. Next year, we expect an even larger international presence.”
- Magdalene Akoti’s mother also expressed her views on the general organisation of the Ghana Mountain and Trail 2025: “I promised her to come and support her in this race. I am very happy to be here as well. Let’s support our children to make their choice, and parents should guide them to accomplish it because it’s their future,” she concluded.
The dignitaries present were:
Colonel Richard Akoto, Director PT & Sports, and General Headquarters Training. Wing Commander Okyere, Deputy Director Training, Ghana Airforce Headquarters, Mr Bawa Fuseini, The President of Ghana Athletics, Captain Adase Godson, Director of Army Sports, Captain Issahaku, Officer Commanding Ghana Armed Forces Physical Training School, Mr Christopher Darko-Amankrah, The president of Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation and Ghana Athletics Treasurer, W02 smith clement Danyagri, Vice President of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, W01 Moro Salifu, The General Secretary of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, Normenyo james kojo, Treasurer of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, Juliana Lathbridge, Member of the Ghana Mountain and Trail Federation, Mr Ahmed, Acting CEO of Ghana Athletics, Lord Offei-Darko, UrbanBetter Cityzens Accra Hub Coordinator
Partners: UrbanBetter Cityzens for Clean Air Accra Hub, GTV, Accra Daily Post, Richportal TV, and Daily Graphic.
The Ghana Mountain and Trail Race has set a new standard for endurance racing in the country, and with this successful inaugural edition, the foundation has been laid for an even more exciting future. Athletes and fans alike can now look forward to the next edition, which promises to be even bigger and better.