Ghana's pioneering gold medalist at the 2023 African Games, Winnifred Ntumi, has disclosed that she had to utilize her personal jersey to represent the nation in the competition.

The weightlifter secured her initial silver medal in both the (49kg snatch) and (Clean and Jerk) events before clinching gold for Ghana on Sunday, amassing a total of three medals at the event.

In an interview with 3FM on the Sunrise show, Miss Ntumi expressed her disappointment and dissatisfaction with the equipment and support provided to her before the competition.

Despite her remarkable achievements, she lamented the inadequate provision and management afforded to her ahead of the Games.

Despite these challenges, Ntumi was filled with joy and satisfaction with her performance, attributing her success to her unwavering focus. She stated, “I had to use my own jersey for this competition, the items for this contest came in a day before, which is very bad. I was given size 40 boots for my weightlifting instead of a thirty-eight”, she said.

“Well, my mind was only set up on making a good performance, which I did and through that, it made me get one gold and two silver. How can I even put it, I was more than excited. I was more than happy. I don’t know the kind of words to use to express this happiness. Winning Ghana’s first gold and silver medals, i was so happy”, she said.

Ntumi, who previously won a medal for Ghana at the 2019 African Games in Morocco, feels there was immense pressure on her to succeed, especially as Ghana had not secured any medals before her events.

“Yes actually there was, since way back in camp, there was a lot of pressure but I just had to calm down and when the games started competing and others had no medals, I was like.. so am I going to be the first Ghanaian to win a medal again in 2024? So I just stayed calm and focused on what I can do best, and God being so great, I was able to deliver for Ghana”, she added.

Ghana currently ranks 10th on the medal table with one gold and three silver medals, with Abeiku Jackson also achieving Ghana’s inaugural swimming medal on Sunday night in the 50m butterfly at the Borteyman Aquatic Center.

As the 2023 African Games progress, there is still much at stake, and Ntumi hopes her fellow athletes will rise to the occasion and contribute to Ghana's medal haul.