Ghana Army Ladies have been crowned champions of the women’s division of the 2026 Greater Accra Handball Association (GAHA) Open Championship after defeating Kalibi 19-15 in the final on Saturday, September 19, at the Police Striking Force.
The three-day championship brought together 11 men’s teams and six women’s teams. The Interim Management Committee (IMC), appointed by the Handball Association of Ghana (HAG), organised it to keep players and officials active while awaiting the dates for the regional associations’ elections.
Army Ladies faced Kalibi in the women’s final, with both teams featuring several national team players who recently represented Ghana at the maiden IHF Zone III Nations Trophy.
Kalibi, who also participated in the 2026 Tojemarine Championship in Nigeria, were seeking another title before the end of the year. The team boasts about six national players, while Army Ladies had three national team players in their squad.
The final brought together two experienced sides with quality goalkeepers, sharp wingers, pivoters, half-backs and attacking players.
Army Ladies took control in the first half, heading into the break with a 10-7 lead.
Kalibi stepped up their efforts in the second half, managing to intercept balls and attempting to reduce the deficit. However, Army Ladies maintained their advantage to secure a 19-15 victory and lift the women’s title.
Police Ladies finished third in the women’s division.
Men’s ends without a winner
In the men’s division, Ghana Army and Ghana Police faced each other in the final. However, technical challenges meant that no winner was declared for the championship.
Fire Service finished third in the men’s competition.
Individual and team awards
Ghana Army’s Mary Kum was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the women’s division, while Stephen Oku of Kalibi received the men’s MVP award.
Both players received an undisclosed cash prize and a T-shirt from the championship’s sponsors, Didi Shito.
Kasland Ladies and Osudoku Men were named the Fair Play Teams in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively.
Army Ladies received the women’s championship trophy and GH¢1,000 for their first-place finish. Kalibi received GH¢700 for finishing second, while Police Ladies took home GH¢500 for third place.
In the men’s division, Ghana Army and Ghana Police each received GH¢800 for reaching the final, while Fire Service received GH¢500 for finishing third.
Dignitaries at closing ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by HAG Technical Director Mr George Bankole, HAG Referees Chairman Mr Charles Mensah, and HAG Executive Council member and retired fire officer Mr Henry Nortey.
Other dignitaries included Paa Kwesi Amuah, CEO of Point 5 Ventures; Mr Christian Heppe of International Children’s Help; Dr Yacoubu of Latex Foam; Madam Shafatu and Madam Vanessa of Didi Shito; Mr Duodu of Kalibi Handball Club; and ADO1 Akowuah of the Fire Service.
Members of the Interim Management Committee were also present, including Chairman DOII Christian Osei Yaw, Vice-Chairman Chief Inspector Hajara Mahama, Secretary ASP Boakye Noah, Treasurer DSP Theophilus Quarme, and Technical Director Coach Raphael Sifah.
By: Victoria Kwofie
