Members of the Ghana Olympic Committee/ Commonwealth Games Association

Representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA)

National Federation Heads and Representatives

Delegates

Members of the media

Ladies and Gentlemen

In December 2022, we gathered as a family to discuss and deliberate on issues with regards to the development of our sports, four (4) months down the line, here we are again to plan, firm up and even add on to our success story.

OLYMPIC HOUSE

Following up on a request made by the GOC/CGA Board during our meeting with His Excellency, the President of the Republic. The current building housing the offices of the GOC/CGA and other State organizations has finally been officially been named the “Olympic House” by the Ministry of Works and Housing (MWH), after making that promise in 2009.

The MWH has also engaged the services of a facility Manager, Messrs K and Associates, who are now managing the facility and on request from the Ministry have been given temporal office space at the GOC offices to facilitate their work.

OLYMPAFRICA PROJECT (AMASAMAN)

As I stated in the last report to congress, the Five-man Committee put together to see the development of the Amasaman project, started work in earnest in December of 2022 in order to beat the deadline by which the $100,000.00 sent to the GOC would have been withdrawn by the OlympAfrica Foundation.

The Architectural drawings for the project has been done and paid for and so far the Football field with a basic running tracks around it has been completed, the Tennis court and also the multi-purpose court are about 40% completed.

An amount of about $50,000.00 has so far been spent on the project and as per the nature of the OlympAfrica funding, the GOC must also raise about 30% of its own funding to supplement the funds from the OAF and I hope the committee members will also work on getting additional sponsors for the project.

I will ask the Chairman of the Committee to give members a full and detailed report just after my presentation.

STRATEGIC PLAN

The GOC/CGA is currently engaging the service of various resource persons, experts and the IOC to add on to the draft and come up with a very comprehensive strategic plan for the organization and it is my believe that before our next General assembly in 2024, it will be shared with all members for their inputs.

CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

As requested at the last General Assembly, the Board has sorted and received the consent of two (2) persons namely Hon. Ken Dzirasah and Mr. Peter Zwennes to be members of the Constitutional Review Committee and it is my hope that Congress can now move ahead with the inauguration and the necessary Terms and References for their work to start.

ASAFA POWELL VISIT

As mentioned in my report to Congress in 2020, Jamaican International Sports icon, Asafa Powel finally came to Ghana at the invitation of the GOC from the 1st to the 8th of March 2023.

Whilst here, he engaged and met with children from some of our Basic Schools, in the less endowed communities to encourage them to keep working hard, since he very much comes from a similar background.

He also made a strong case for support from government and sponsors for our so-call least financed sports.

It was a very successful trip and we look forward to working with him on the African Games 2023.

VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL GAMES

The GOC/CGA is working with the International Games and Competition Committee (IGCC) of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) to ensure that Ghana is represented at all the upcoming International games.

This collaboration with the ministry has been very successful so far and it is our hope that it will eventually reflect in a massive improvement in the numbers and quality of Team Ghana’s participation at these events.

The Africa Beach Games, the Commonwealth Youth Games, the African Games and the Olympic Games in 2024 are the immediate games of concern and we hope the various CDMs and their working team will ensure that our timelines are met and work together with the IGCC of the MOYS on securing funding and sponsorship for our preparation and participation at these games.

SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL FEDERTIONS AND ATHLETES

Continental and National grants and or funding from the IOC are given out on quadrennial (Olympic Year) basis that is, four (4) years.

In the last quadrennial that is 2016-2020 Olympic year, the GOC in addition to our financial support for the Bahamas 2017 Games, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Cape Verde Beach Games Covid relief and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the GOC also within the quadrennial supported the various National Federations with various amounts of funding which was disbursed in 2 tranches in 2017 and 2019.

In the first tranche a total amount of $150,000.00 was given to federations to help them with their various qualifiers and programs for 2017, the amount varied from $20,000.00 to $1,000.00 per federation.

The second tranche of an amount of $126,716.00 was also disbursed to 19 National Federations in addition to scholarships to 14 National Team Athletes.

In the current quadrennial 2021-2024 (not 2020-2024 due to covid), the GOC has so far secured scholarships for 10 National Team Athletes, also secured a $100,000.00 under the Continental Athlete Support grant which is spread over the period 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Federations who have or are due for funding based on their applications, activities previous support under the various program of the OS. The Beneficiary Federations are;

YEAR                  FEDERATION     AMOUNT ($)

2022  GHANA JUDO ASSOCIATION     11,830.00

          GHANA WEIGHTLIFTING      2,230.00

          GOLF ASSOCIATION     5,557.00

          GHANA SWIMMING ASSOCIATION     8,250.00

          HANDBALL ASSOCIATION OF GHANA     6,407.00

2023  GHANA FENCING ASSOCIATION     10,000.00

          TRIATHLON FEDERATION     2,000.00

          BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION     8,000.00

          BASEBALL & SOFTBALL FEDERATION     5,000.00

2024  NOT ALLOCATED     

We also have approval for an amount of $25,000.00 each year until 2024 under the Youth Athlete Development grant and disbursement so far is as follows;

YEAR      FEDERATION         AMOUNT ($)

2022  GHANA TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION             6,250.00

          GHANA KARATE DO FEDERATION     2,500.00

          TENNIS FEDERATION     10,000.00

2023  GHANA ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION     8,000.00

          GHANA CYCLING FEDERATION     10,000.00

          NETBALL FEDERATION     5,000.00

          GHANA BOXING FEDERATION     10,000.00

          GHANA BADMINTON ASSOCIATION     6,000.00

2024  NOT ALLOCATED     

Our disbursement for 2023 is yet to be made due to the fact that some federations who received funding in 2022 are yet to furnish us with their receipts, financial and technical reports in order for us to forward same to Olympic Solidarity.

I hope these federations will now respond to our several reminders and do the needful to enable us receive our 2023 funding as well as the 25% balance due on the 2022 fundings.

CONCLUSION

On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish to thank members of congress especially, the Federation Heads for their huge support to their athletes and Team Ghana. I hope we will continue to work together to help our youth to live their dreams and create a meaningful future for themselves.

Thank you.

Aggreh met Jamaican Asafa Powell who was in Tamale as guest of Reks Brobby

The GNPC Ghana Fastest Human first meet of the year took place at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale last Saturday with Barnabas Aggreh of University of Development Studies, Northern Region clocking 10.13 seconds to win the Men Seniors Race. He is proving that he is the fastest man on the tracks in the country.

Second was Olympian Sarfo Ansah at 10. 22 seconds, while Derrick Sarkodie placed third on 10.47 seconds.

In the Female Seniors Race, Boakye Beatrice also of UDS did 11.68 seconds to win. She was followed by Aduntira Grace of Gbewaa Club, Northern Region at 11.90 seconds. There were Under 18 and Under 15 Races.

Former World 100 meters record holder, Jamaican Asafa Powell and his wife were at Tamale to inspire the athletes. He believes Ghana has the potential to become champions in the sprints, and commended the organiser of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human, Reks Brobby for his vision.

Here are the full results courtesy Kenny Gray, the PRO of GNPC Ghana Fastest.

U15 Boys - Handtime

1st. Lifumba Prosper, Krasec, Oti Region- 11.91

2nd. Mohammed Sulemana, Shishegu Zion Sch, Northern Region- 12.05

3rd. Tahidu Abdul - Jabir, Gbamabaya T.I Sch, Northern Region- 12.16

U15 Girls - Handtime

1st. Rebecca Konja, Oti Region - 13.53

2nd. Saja Beatrice, Oti Region - 13.76

3rd. Abdul Rahaman Mariam, Shishagu Zion Sch, Northern Region- 14.33

U18 Boys- Handtime

1st. Mahami Alhassan, Tamasco, Northern Region- 10.70

2nd.Salifu Abdulai, Sora Club, Northern Region- 10.82

3rd. Abdul Majeed Abukari, Sora Club, Northern Region- 10.95

U18 Girls - Handtime

1st. Akua Maye Comfort, Krasec, Oti Region- 13.23

2nd. Naprieja Ruth, Krachi Model Jhs, Oti Region -13.28

3rd. Sulemana Asana, Bamvia Presby Jhs, Northern Region- 13.98

Seniors - Males (Handtime)

1st. Barnabas Aggreh, Uds, Northern Region- 10.13

2nd. Sarfo Ansah, Uds, Northern Region- 10.22

3rd. Derrick Sarkodie, Uds, Northern Region- 10.47

Seniors - Females (Handtime)

1st. Boakye Beatrice, Uds, Northern Region- 11.68

2nd. Aduntira Grace, Gbewaa Club, Northern Region- 11.90

3rd. Felicia Awudi, Uds, Northern Region- 12.35

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Top retired Jamaican sprinter, Asafa Powell will be the special guest for the 2023 GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human Tamale (Northern regions) meet on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.

He was invited by Reks Brobby, founder of the sprint project which has exposed many Ghanaian athletes.

Powell, who was in the country for a working visit, is expected to encourage participants of the GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human.

The Tamale meet is the first in this year’s event, which is the 10th anniversary, and contestants will vie for honours and rewards in male and female U-15, U-18, 18 and above and seniors categories.

“Athletes in the Northern regions are ready for Saturday’s event, we the organisers are equally ready to deliver a top class event, fans should expect the very best from us,” said Reks Brobby.

“In fact, the presence of Asafa Powell at the venue will be enough motivation for the athletes to give their best shot.” He added.

The Ghana Fastest Human Competition is sponsored by GNPC, Adidas, Moringa King, Global Media Alliance, Sports Equity Lab, Kriate Lync, Pippa’s Gym and Wrenco Printing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Former Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) First Vice President Frank Appiah’s one week observance ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at his residence, Sampa Valley, Old Barrier. He was 68.

The PR and Marketing Consultant, who deputised for Benson Tongo (BT) Baba, former GOC President in the mid 2000’s, passed on few weeks ago after a short illness in Accra.

Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Communications Director, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been appointed as the Head of Mission for Team Ghana by the GOC.

His appointment takes effect immediately, for the upcoming African Beach Games (Tunisia 2023) in Tunis.

The Chairman of Ghana Beach Soccer is currently representing the GOC in Tunis where the Heads of Missions from Africa are gathered for a three-day African Beach Games Summit.

The maiden ’Aboakyer Festival Cycling Race’ at Winneba in the Central region is expected to be competed by over 70 cyclists from various clubs in the country.

The event forms part of activities to have fun at this year’s Aboakyer festival of the people of Winneba and would be held under the auspices of the Efutu Traditional Council, the National Sports College (NSC), Winneba and the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF).

Neenyi Ghartey VII Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Council is hosting the grand event which would become a part of the festival to promote cycling in the region.

 “We are pleased to have cycling as part of the festival since we intend to use sports to promote development in the region,” he said at the media launch of the event.

He added that they would also take the opportunity to get the youth interested in cycling and be groomed to become a force to reckon with on the global stage.

Mr Mohammed Shaaban General Secretary of the GCF says all is set and they were ready for the race and has asked cyclists to be professional and disciplined as it forms part of preparations for the World Championship in Scotland.

He added that there would be attractive prizes including cash, jersey at stake for winners.

The 90km event would have both road and criteria races at the outskirts and inside Winneba town.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Equity Lab has collaborated with renowned Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell to organize a speed clinic for young athletes at the University of Ghana's Athletic Oval.

This initiative dubbed Max Velocity Speed Clinic was held yesterday at the University of Ghana Athletic Oval as part of a four-day program to improve the speed of young able-bodied and paralympic athletes in the country.

Asafa Powell, along with an international team of coaches including the respected Loren Seagrave trained 50 Ghanaian student-athletes and their coaches during the speed clinic.

Coach Seagrave stressed the importance of sustaining this project and continuously engaging coaches with the methods and principles exposed to them.

He also highlighted that the primary focus is on athlete and coaching development to ensure Ghana excels in track and field events.

Asafa Powell expressed his fondness for Ghana and his excitement for working with young athletes who were eager to learn. He stated that their motivation was inspiring and encouraged them to continue learning and practising what they had learned.

"I love Ghana. Ghana has a special place in my heart and I love working with kids, and to be here with these kids who seem eager to learn [is great]

“That’s really the best thing to see. It’s the motivation for any coach or anybody who is willing to help. When they see the motivation that they have, it’s really inspiring,” he said.

“They are willing to learn. I hope they take what they learn today and they continue learning and keep practising,” he added.

The Sports Equity Talk, titled "The Neurobiomechanics of Maximum Velocity Sprinting," took place at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana .

News Sources

Former Kickboxer, Chief Gets Doctorate Degree

Former President of the Ghana Kickboxing Association, Nii Adotey Dzata1 aka Joseph Mingle has been honoured with a doctorate degree by the International Kingdom University in Florida, USA on Friday April 28, 2023 at the National Theater in Accra.

Nii Dzata 1 who is Shipi of the Sempe Stool as well as Mankralo of Sakaman and Gyasehene of Asubua was honoured due to his humanitarian and philanthropic duties as well as discipline and hard work to accomplish all projects.

He told the media that people should sacrifice in helping others, and called on Ghanaians to work hard.

Nii Dzata who once contested for Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and lost by a single vote appealed for unity among sports administrators and urged them to ensure that Ghana successfully hosts the African Games and win medals.

He contested at the African and World kickboxing championship and won medals for Ghana, earning him a Sports Writers Association of Ghana Award in 2010

The third Global Honorary Doctorate Award was conferred on 13 other personalities including two queen mothers who have contributed to socio economic, education, tourism and health promotion and development of the country.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Boxing Team, Black Bombers off to Tashkent, Ubekistan for the 2023 Men's World Boxing Championships international tournament.

The boxers who left the Kotoka International Airport include Alfred Kotey, Wahid Umar, Abraham Mensah, Joseph Commey and Amadu Mohammed.

They were accompanied by IBA three Star rated, Dr Coach Ofori Asare.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Delphina Quaye, President of the Ghana Swimming Association is hosting a grand competition for swimmers at the University of Ghana Legon Pool on Saturday, April 29th 2023, from 7am.

She said the event is to sensitise the public about Swimming, creating awareness about the sport and rewarding the best performances.

According to the energetic only female board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), swimming is still a popular sport but they need more activities, especially for the kids and youth.

She noted that the competition is preparations towards the the 2023 African Games which Ghana must do well in all events.

She hinted the special awards will be presented to the best swimmers at the President's Cup.

Mrs. Delphina Quaye urged companies to adopt sports federations, so that they cut budget on some programmes, and focus on the disciplines that can earn the nation much at important international competitions.

Swimming was one of the five disciplines represented at the last Olympic Games in Japan.

She was optimistic that Ghana will make it in Swimming again at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

By Sammy Heywood Okine