The Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Association (GMMAA) has appealed to the media, corporate Ghana and other stakeholders for support to develop the sport after winning two medals at the 2026 African Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Association made the appeal during a meeting with sports journalists at the Ghana Olympic Committee Conference Room on Thursday, where it outlined its achievements, challenges and future plans.
The Ghanaian team returned from the championship with a gold medal won by Gabby Fenuku and a bronze medal secured by Janet Acquah, bringing pride to the nation despite competing without financial support.
Addressing the media, GMMAA President Jeff Taylor, who was elected Vice President of the continental body during the championship, commended the athletes and technical staff for their dedication and commitment to representing Ghana under difficult circumstances.
“Ghana has fighters who can do much better if they receive the necessary support. These athletes have shown great determination, and with the right investment, we can compete at a much higher level,” he said.
Mr. Taylor described Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as an attractive and potentially lucrative sport, urging more athletes from other combat sports disciplines to join the association.
“It is an attractive sport, not dangerous, and can rake in money for the fighters. We need more fighters to come on board. Boxers, judokas, kickboxers and other combat sports practitioners are welcome,” he stated.
He further appealed for the provision of a training facility at the Accra Sports Stadium, alongside logistics and other resources to motivate athletes and improve their preparation for international competitions.
According to him, Ghana has the talent to excel in MMA, but inadequate facilities, funding and technical support continue to hinder the development of the sport.
Mr. Taylor also expressed hope that MMA would be included in the Olympic Games in the future, a move he believes would create more opportunities for athletes and raise the sport’s global profile.
He announced that the World Championship is scheduled to take place in Turkey in December and expressed the hope that Ghana would be able to participate.
The GMMAA president also praised Derrick Macaire, an internationally recognised Ghanaian technical instructor and referee, for his contribution to developing MMA expertise across the African continent.
He called on the media and corporate Ghana to help promote the sport, attract sponsorship and create opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, coaches Samuel Nii Tackie and Torado Bruce stressed that Ghana has talented fighters capable of achieving greater success but requires improved technical training, motivation and adequate resources.
“Ghana has good fighters, but they need the technical skills and motivation to compete,” the coaches said.
The Association expressed optimism that increased support from stakeholders would strengthen the sport’s development, improve Ghana’s performance at international competitions and help prepare a team for the upcoming World Championship in Turkey.
By George Koffi Nkunu
