Ghana’s growing influence in mixed martial arts has been reinforced by Jeff Taylor’s election as vice-president of the sport’s continental governing body, following the country’s two-medal performance at the African Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Ghana’s five-member team won gold through Gabriel “Gabby” Fenuku and bronze through Janet Acquah at the 12-15 October event, despite receiving no financial support from the government.
Taylor’s appointment with the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) Africa gives Ghana a stronger voice in the development of the sport across the continent.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) headquarters in Accra, Taylor urged athletes from other combat sports to consider a move into MMA.
“It is an attractive sport, not dangerous, and can rake in money for the fighters. We need more fighters to come on board,” he said.
Taylor specifically encouraged boxers, judokas, kickboxers and practitioners of other martial arts to embrace the discipline, which brings together techniques from several fighting styles and is creating increased commercial opportunities for athletes.
He said Ghana’s progress was being held back by shortcomings in facilities, funding and logistical support. One of his priorities is the creation of a dedicated training centre at the Accra Sports Stadium, which he believes would improve preparation and encourage more fighters to take up the sport.
The new GAMMA Africa vice-president also called on the media, corporate organisations and the government to support the association’s plans. He said greater backing could help Ghana develop competitors capable of performing at the highest international level.
Ghana’s next major objective is the MMA World Championships in Turkiye in December. Taylor hopes the association can secure the financial and logistical resources required to send a team to the competition.
The latest medals add to an encouraging record in African competition. Daniel Wadieh won gold in the lightweight division at the African Championships in Luanda, Angola, in April 2026.
With a growing pool of emerging athletes, increased international exposure and Taylor’s new continental responsibility, Ghana’s MMA federation believes further investment could help establish the sport as a commercially viable discipline in the country.
Taylor also hopes MMA will eventually receive Olympic recognition.
