Abdul Yartey receives Spirit of the IFBB Award in Barcelona

Abdul Yartey, the President of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (GBFA), has been honored with the prestigious Spirit of the IFBB Award. The recognition was conferred upon him during the 2026 International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) World Congress, which took place in Barcelona, Spain. This global award acknowledges Yartey's significant and sustained contributions to the development of bodybuilding and fitness on an international scale.

The ceremony featured leaders and delegates from 102 nations, highlighting the competitive and inclusive nature of the global sporting body. Yartey expressed both surprise and immense pride at being singled out for the accolade among such a vast number of international representatives. He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the Ghanaian bodybuilding community, noting that the award validates the progress made in elevating the sport's standards within the country and across the African continent.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ghana, as it underscores the nation’s growing influence and reputation within the international bodybuilding community. Under Yartey's leadership, the GBFA has consistently worked to provide platforms for local athletes to compete at higher levels and to institutionalize fitness as a professional discipline. The recognition in Barcelona is expected to strengthen Ghana's ties with the IFBB and open further opportunities for technical support and international competitions hosted within the West African sub-region.