Cape Coast 2025: Takeaways from Central Region Super Zonal Athletics Championship

Cape Coast is more than just a historic city. It is the beating heart of education in Ghana. With a legacy dating back to the European missionaries who established second-cycle schools in the 19th century, the city has nurtured some of the brightest minds and fastest athletes in the country.

Home to elite institutions like Mfantsipim, Adisadel College, St. Augustine’s, Wesley Girls, and Holy Child, Cape Coast has long been a powerhouse of both academic and athletic excellence.

The 2025 Central Region Inter-Schools Super Zonals Athletics Championship was a spectacular celebration of this tradition, bringing together the region’s most promising young athletes for a thrilling two-day battle for supremacy on the track and field.

A Legacy of Champions

For decades, the Super Zonals have been more than just a sporting event, they are a rite of passage.
“Yeah, it’s possible to challenge Joseph Andoh Kwofie,” declared Wisdom Mensah of St. Augustine’s after placing first in Heat 3 of the boys’ 200-meter event at Cape Coast Stadium.

Generations of students have stepped onto the track, dreaming of etching their names into history, fueled by the chants and drumbeats of passionate supporters. This year was no different. The Cape Coast Sports Stadium came alive with “Jama” songs as athletes pushed their limits, cheered on by students, alumni, and sports enthusiasts who turned the arena into a cauldron of school pride.

General Overview of the 2025 Championship

The championship attracted hundreds of student-athletes, school staff, enthusiastic supporters, sponsors, and media representatives. The competition featured a range of disciplines, including sprints, long-distance races, high jump, long jump, shot put, and relay races.

From the 100m dash to the grueling 5000m race, the atmosphere was electric, with school anthems, chants, and drumming fueling the competitive spirit. Traditional powerhouses like Mfantsipim, Adisadel, and St. Augustine’s dominated several events, while emerging schools such as Efutu SHS, Kwanyako SHS, Swedru School of Business, and Edinaman SHS surprised many with outstanding performances.

Best Performing Athletes

Several athletes stood out during the two-day event, with some already attracting interest from the Ghana Athletics Federation, including Bawa Fusieni, for potential national team representation:

1. Joseph Andoh Kwofie (Mfantsipim School) – The sprinter stole the show in the 100m and 200m finals, clocking impressive times that put him in contention for future national team call-ups. Though he didn’t break any records, his raw athleticism was undeniable. He led Mfantsipim to gold in the medley and 4x100m finals, their first victory in that category in two years. Andoh dominated both the 100m and 200m, finishing in 10.2 and 20.8 seconds, respectively, propelling Mfantsipim to their fourth consecutive championship title.

"No one in the Central Region is faster than me."

After leading the charge to secure victory for Mfantsipim boys in the 4x200m final race, Joseph Andoh Kwofie believes he is the fastest in the Central Region.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/00SgCOlmYF

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) February 27, 2025

2. Portia Nkrumah (Edinaman Senior High School) – The queen of the 800m, 400m, and 200m, Nkrumah exhibited exceptional endurance, clinching gold in all three events and setting a new regional record. A true embodiment of resilience, she ran each race with sheer determination, making Edinaman SHS the standout school of the competition.

3. Gilbert Ampiah (St. Augustine’s College) – A dominant force in field events, Ampiah showcased remarkable versatility in the high jump, defying expectations despite being born with a disability. His technique and execution drew parallels to professional high jumpers, and though he did not place first, his performance made him one of the unsung heroes of the championship.

Central Regional Super Zonal: Mfantsipim School claimed gold in the boys' 4×100 meters final.

Joseph Andoh Kwofie led the charge once again to propel Botwe to victory.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/2by07viu0a

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) February 28, 2025

4. Mfantsipim Relay Team – The team put on a thrilling display of teamwork and speed, winning both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays in spectacular fashion. Jonathan Ofori Nkrumah led the charge, earning the title of Best Male Athlete of the competition. Breaking multiple records, he played a pivotal role in Mfantsipim’s dominance. The inclusion of Eric Bonney provided the team with a wild card advantage, allowing them to glide to victory with ease.

5. Kwanyako SHS 4x100m Girls’ Relay Team – Though their names went unmentioned, these four girls from Kwanyako SHS were a force to be reckoned with. Their unquenchable energy and seamless coordination saw them emerge champions in both the 4x100m and medley relay finals, overpowering their competitors with sheer brilliance.

Central Regional Super Zonal: Kwanyako Senior High School placed first in the girls' category of the 4x100m final.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/8ZfswDzVuI

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) February 28, 2025

Key Takeaways from the Championship

1. Rising Talent in Ghanaian Athletics – The competition showcased several promising young athletes who could represent Ghana in future international events. Names like Joseph Andoh Kwofie, Eric Bonney, Jonathan Nkrumah, Wisdom Mensah, Portia Nkrumah, Matilda Enchill, Yvonne Appiah, Christiana Aboagye, and Avitsi are ones to watch.
   
2. Intense School Rivalries Remain a Key Attraction – The traditional rivalries added to the excitement, with students and alumni passionately cheering their teams on. “Jama” was a major highlight, and despite fierce competition, there was a strong sense of mutual respect. A particularly memorable moment was when St. Augustine’s and Adisadel College joined forces to troll Mfantsipim, despite the latter being crowned champions.
   
3. The Need for Greater Investment in Athletics – While the event was a success, there remains a pressing need for better facilities, training programs, and sponsorships to elevate the level of competition. Media coverage reached an all-time high, elevating the competition to new heights. However, greater accessibility, such as free-to-air broadcasts, could further enhance visibility and engagement.
   
4. Inclusivity and Broader Participation – More schools are stepping up to produce top-tier athletes, signaling a shift beyond the traditional powerhouses. The emergence of schools like Kwanyako SHS and Edinaman SHS as strong contenders is a promising sign for the future of Ghanaian athletics.
   
5. Support from Fans and Alumni – The presence of past students and well-wishers underscored the deep-rooted culture of school spirit in Cape Coast. Mfantsipim’s MOBA, St. Augustine’s APSU, and Adisadel’s SANTA alumni came out in full force to rally behind their alma maters, adding to the atmosphere.

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