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The Finale of 10th Anniversary edition of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) sponsored Fastest Human competition, held last Saturday at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, saw the reclamation of glory from a once deposed track king and the retention of same by a Queen who would not give up her crown.

Following an impressive Handtime record of 10.1 seconds (sec), 2020 Olympian who first won the competition in 2021, Sarfo Ansah, took back his title after dousing the fiery threats from the University of Ghana’s Bokpim Mustapha Alufa who run 10.4sec to come 2nd and Salifu Gafaru who clocked 10.5sec to take 3rd place in a final showdown of sheer tenacity, flexibility, and speed.

“This means so much as it marks the coming together of all I hoped for; getting in shape after a challenging year fraught with injuries and personal mishaps but this win makes it all worth it and reminds me of my journey to get my competitive edge back,” a clam but visibly elated Ansah said.

It was amply evident from the onset that it was going to take more than a bad weather to curtail the energies promised in the Women’s final which saw last year’s winner, Janet Mensah of the Ashanti Speedsters Club, outsprinting a strong field that included the Northern Region trio Beatrice Boakye, Grace Aduntira, and Felicia Awudi to defend her title; a first time feat by any female in the competition’s 10-year history.

A near photo-finish, Mensah won the 100-meters race in 11.5 seconds with Boakye and Awudi finishing closely in 2nd and 3rd on 11.6 seconds and 11.9 seconds respectively.

Describing her race as tough, she was simply happy to have crossed the finish line first before her competitors. “As with all wins, I’m truly happy about the outcome as I’ve had to invest more and push myself in order to not only win but also become the first to do it back-to-back in the category.”

With keen contests for superiority across U-15, U-18 and Senior’s categories for both male and female, the Cape Coast final offered a befitting climax to the 10th Anniversary of the Ghana Fastest Human Competition instituted to unearth, nurture and groom young, talented Ghanaian athletes into world class standards.

Mr. Reks Brobbey, Founder of the Competition, said the project has, within the decade, contributed to producing some of Ghana’s best athletes in the 100-meter category with the likes of Joseph Paul Amoah, Benjamin Azamati, and Grace Obuor among its long list of illustrious talents who, after joining the competition, have gone on to represent Ghana on several international competitions.

He thanked GNPC and other sponsors for the sustained support to ensuring that these young athletes keep their hopes and dreams of becoming quality professionals alive and valid.

According to GNPC’s Edward Arthiabah, the Competition’s goal aligns with the Corporation’s vision of empowering dreams and is therefore satisfied with its partnership as headline sponsor. “It’s been a great journey with immense successes that gives us hope that Ghana’s athletics is safe. We came onboard to enhance the developmental experiences of these athletes who enjoy several opportunities including educational scholarships, contract with top local nutritionists, technical support with training from the best local coaches and local sports psychologists among others.

See the full list of winners from the GNPC Fastest Human Competition in Cape Coast below:

Handtime Results

U15 Boys

• 1st. Felix Anorigiya, Nana Bosoma Athletics Club, Bono Region (11.2s)
• 2nd. Albert Abofla, Nana Akosua Dua Sika Brayie II, Ahafo (11.5s)
• 3rd. Harrison Adjei, Demo Basic School, G/ Accra (11.6s)

U15 Girls

• 1st. Dartey Florence, Nana Bosoma Athletics Club. Bono Region (12.4s)
• 2nd. Adu Bofa Lilian, OJ Athletics Club, Ashanti Region (12.5s)
• 3rd. Serwaa A. Ernestina, Nana Bosoma Athletics Club, Bono Region (12.6s)

U18 Boys

• 1st. Isaac Sarfo, OKESS, Ashanti Region (10.3s)
• 2nd. Ransford Addison, Nana Bosoma Athletics Club, Bono (10.5s)
• 3rd. Moses Mbila, Hunting Club, Ashanti Region (10.6s)

U18 Girls

• 1st. Florence Agyemang, Kass, Ashanti Region (12.1s)
• 2nd. Aisha Ibrahim, St Louis Girls Shs, Ashanti Region (12.5s)
• 3rd. Fulera Suleman, Nana Effah Jhs, Bono East (12.6s)

Seniors – Males

• 1st. Sarfo Ansah, Uds, Northern Region (10.1s)
• 2nd. Bokpim Mustapha Alufar, LCAC, G/Accra (10.4s)
• 3rd. Salifu Gafaru, Sora Club, Northern Region (10.5s)

Seniors – Females

• 1st. Janet Mensah, Speedsters Club, Ashanti Region (11.5s)
• 2nd. Beatrice Boakye, UDS, Northern Region (11.6s)
• 3rd. Felicia Awudi, UDS, Northern Region (11.9s)