African Games: I haven’t received the promised $7000 for the medals I won – Ghanaian weightlifter Winnifred Ntumi

Ghanaian Weightlifter Winnifred Ntumi, who recently made history at the African Games by securing Ghana’s first medal, has revealed that she is yet to receive the promised $7000 prize money. Ntumi, 21, emerged victorious with a gold and two silvers in the women’s 49-kilogramme category at the event held at the GCB Hall at the University of Ghana, Legon.

Despite her impressive achievements, Ntumi has expressed her disappointment at not receiving the promised prize money. “Despite winning one Gold and two Silver medals at the African Games, I am yet to receive the promised $7000. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has not communicated with us regarding this matter,” Ntumi said in an interview on Happy Sports with Ohene Bampoe Brenya.

Ntumi’s achievements at the African Games add to her impressive track record, having previously won three bronze medals in the women’s 45kg events at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco. At just 16 years old in 2019, she also secured a bronze medal in the women’s 49kg bodyweight at the Africa Seniors Weightlifting Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

In December 2021, Ntumi won bronze in Uzbekistan during the World Championship/Commonwealth qualification in the 49kg category.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports had revealed that they would pay all Gold Medal winners $3000, Silver Medal winners $2000, and Bronze Medal winners $1000. Therefore, in total, Ntumi won $7000 in prize money.

However, Ntumi has expressed her frustration at not receiving the money.

Ntumi’s achievements at the African Games have been hailed as a significant milestone for Ghanaian sports, and her disappointment at not receiving the promised prize money is a cause for concern.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has yet to comment on the matter, but it is hoped that they will address Ntumi’s concerns and ensure that she receives the prize money that she has earned.