Accra, Ghana – 03 May 2025- The newly elected Board of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), led by President Richard Akpokavie, paid a special courtesy call on the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr. Nuhu Sharabutu, at his residence in Fadama, Accra, on Friday, 02 May 2025. The visit was aimed at seeking the Chief Imam’s prayers for divine protection, wisdom, and guidance as the new leadership takes on the mantle to steer the affairs of the GOC for the next four years.

President Akpokavie, who secured a commanding victory with 44 votes in the GOC Elective Congress on 26 April 2025, emphasized the importance of unity and spiritual support in advancing Ghanaian sports. “This visit underscores our commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration across all communities in Ghana,” he stated. “We sought the Chief Imam’s blessings to guide us in promoting the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship as we work to unite the sporting front and elevate Ghana’s presence on the global stage.”

The Chief Imam warmly welcomed the delegation and offered prayers for each member, blessing their tenure with success and harmony. The GOC delegation included 1^st Vice President Mawuko Afadzinu, Secretary General Mohammed Kassim Muniru, Treasurer Evans Yeboah, and Board Members George Owusu Ansah, George Lamptey, George Tettey, Nathaniel Johnson, Rev. Richmond Quarcoo and Kassim Sulley. They were accompanied by Charles Osei Asibey, President of Africa and Ghana Arm Wrestling, Ms. Christen Ashley of the Chess and Scrabble Federations, and Alhaji Shaaban Mohammed, Secretary General of the Ghana Cycling Federation.

Speaking to the media after the visit, President Akpokavie reiterated his pledge to unite Ghana’s sports federations and stakeholders. “Our vision is to create a cohesive and inclusive GOC that prioritizes athlete welfare, gender inclusion, and conflict resolution. With the Chief Imam’s blessings, we are strengthened to deliver on this mandate,” he affirmed.

The GOC Board will continue its spiritual engagements with a Thanksgiving Church Service to express gratitude for a peaceful and successful election. The service is scheduled for Sunday, 04 May 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Tema Community 1. All GOC members, sports federations, and the public are invited to join in this moment of reflection and celebration.

The GOC remains committed to transforming Ghanaian sports through transparent leadership, athlete empowerment, and sustainable financial models to support athletes representing Ghana at major events.

About the Ghana Olympic Committee

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) is the National Olympic Committee responsible for promoting and developing Olympic sports in Ghana. Guided by the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, the GOC works to empower athletes, unite federations, and elevate Ghana’s presence in international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

GOC Communications

Ghana’s 100m record holder, Benjamin Azamati, will not be part of the country’s contingent at the World Relays in China next month.

Azamati was initially named as part of the team, but Joy Sports understands he has opted not to go because of timing constraints.

As a result, Team captain at the Paris Olympics, Joseph Paul Amoah, will lead a new look team, which includes Ibrahim Fuseni and Barnabas Aggerh, who featured for Ghana at last year’s African Games.

The rest of the team includes Sean Safo-Antwi, who returns after missing the Paris Olympics through injury, and Mustapha Bokpin. 

In form Abdul Rasheed Saminu and Isaac Botsio were both not named due to school commitments.

Ghana have been successful at recent Relay Championships, with a team comprised of Azamati, Amoah, Botsio and Fuseni responsible for booking a place at the Paris Games in last year’s competition in the Bahamas.

The 2025 World Relays will serve as qualification to the World Championships later this year, and will run from May 10-11 in Guangzhou, China.

Credit Myjoyonline

The Astro Turf opposite Dr. Karikari Brobbey Hospital in Dansoman was the action spot on Thursday morning where the High Protein Recovery May Day Sweat Fest event, themed “We Rise & Grind for a Better Tomorrow to sensitise and involve Ghanaians in living healthy lifestyles was held.

Over 20 Keep Fit Clubs, social groups, workers, friends and families gathered very early at 6am to sweat out and replenish with High Protein Recovery, the new drink with many flavors on the market for active people distributed by Groupe Imperial .

The mass stretching, aerobics and dancing sessions were full of fun and attractive as the General of the Fitness Revolution, Charles Owusu Ansah was seen in full regalia and leading and guiding the smooth event.

In attendance were dignitaries like Mr. George Owusu Ansah aka Nana Mankatta II, President of Sports For All Association of Ghana, Alhaji Hayye Yartey and the Chief Director at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr. William Kartey who launched the GoFit Ghana initiative with involves four events to be organized this year by Afro Fit.

He said the government is very much interested in activities that will make Ghanaians cultivate living healthy lifestyles and contributing to development, and productivity of the nation.

He assured the organisers of GoFit Ghana maximum support from the Ministry.

“At the Ministry of Sports, we believe that sports and physical activities are essential components of healthy lifestyles” he said.

GoFit Ghana Fitness Campaign is an initiative designed to make fitness accessible and exciting for communities across the country brought up by Afrofit Global Foundation. The campaign emphasizes daily movement, mental resilience, and community engagement through sports and fitness

President of Functional Sports League Ghana, Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah urged the participants to be consistent in exercising and celebrate the spirit of labour, dedication and hard work.

“Let's prioritize our physical and mental well-being. Fitness is not just about physical health; it's about mental toughness, resilience and productivity” he expressed.

“We at FSLG express our gratitude to everyone who made High Protein Recovery May Day Sweat Fest a success. We appreciate your participation and support in believing in our vision” he added.

Meanwhile, many people who tasted the High Protein Recovery gave positive comments and remarks about the taste and flavours.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The May Day Sweat Fest put together by High Protein Recovery in collaboration with the Functional Sports League Ghana is set for Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6am at the Astro Turf Pitch near the Dr. Karikari Brobbey Hospital at Dansoman in Accra.

According to Mr. Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Functional Sports League Ghana it is going to be another great fan event and expert many workers, Keep Fit Clubs, sports fans to participate.

He said there will be various sports competitions such as aerobics, weightlifting, bar press, squats, hop overs, fun races, health screening and more like products activation and the sale of High Protein Recovery at discount price.

There will also be the Press Launch of GoFit Ghana and Functional Sports Contests.

He noted that prizes will be given to some lucky participants and prayed that everyone interested will be time conscious and come early to have fun and make new friends and business contacts.

“It will not be only about sports and fitness, but socializing, making new friends, networking and creating new links and connections” Owusu Ansah noted.

“As we celebrate the spirit of labour, dedication and hard work, let's also prioritize our physical and mental well-being. Fitness is not just about physical health; it's about mental toughness, resilience and productivity” he expressed.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Newly elected 3rd Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ernest Danso has expressed his gratitude to all delegates who voted for him at the 2025 Elective Congress on Saturday April 26.

The President of Ghana Baseball and Softball Association who was Chef de Mission for Team Ghana at the 13th African Games said he never expected that margin with which he beat the sitting 3rd Vice President, Mohammed Mahadi and it confirms the love, confidence and trust that the delegates have in him as well as his campaign message to support in bringing all sports federations together to find solutions to their problems.

He said Ghana has many budding talents in various sports disciplines however these talents need support in terms of motivation, equipment,  exposure and other technical items to succeed and excel at the international level.

He promised that he will use his influence and know how to rescue Ghana Sports so that athletes will feel recognised and respected.

He thanked the media and urged them to keep promoting the least financed disciplines to attract corporate support.

George Lamptey, former President of Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) and Evan Yeboah, President of Ghana Badminton Association who also won their contests for Board Member and Treasurer respectively commended the delegates for making the right choices to support President Richard Akpokavie to reset Ghana Sports by maintaining the legacies inherited and build upon the solid foundation laid by the previous administration led by Ben Nunoo Mensah.

New Secretary General, Kassim Mohammed Muniru, a legal practitioner also commended the whole organization of the Elections and hailed the staff of the GOC and Electoral Commission for the smooth process. Mrs. Delphina Quaye who retained her seat on the GOC Board also thanked all delegates and promised to bring her experience on board to transform and better the Olympic Movement in Ghana.

George Lamptey won by 50 votes while Yeboah pipped former Assistant Treasurer Isaac Duah with three votes (33-30) in their race. Muniru also beat incumbent Shanoon Mohammed by three votes, while Delphina Quaye had most votes of 53.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

UBO Africa and National Super Flyweight Champion Theodore 'Lopez' Allotey has disclosed his readiness to face any challenger in the Super Flyweight division.

The former amateur star who represented Ghana in the Paris 2024 Qualifiers said his mission at the professional level is to make a great name for himself and his nation.

Allotey who was engaged in a media tour after winning the UBO title against David Tagoe said boxing is his profession and boxing is the only thing he has learnt and can do best.

He indicated that Tagoe is his toughest opponent though he knocked him. "The guy from Chorkor is good, he gave me some good powerful shots which really made me feel good. I have learnt a lot from the fight and now that am double title holder, I want to face bigger battles" he expressed.

The media tour took Allotey and his trainer Coach Dr. Ofori Asare to Sporty FM, KFMTV, Omashi TV, Boxing Ghana, Ultimatesportsghana.com and GTV Sports Plus.

According to Allotey he wants to become a record breaker so he is ready to fight all the best boxers.

He hinted that he always prepared to fight the hard way to victory and his target is to become an undisputed world champion.

He thanked all his fans, supporters and sponsors, and a very special one to Ms. Sarah Lotus Asare, the Administrator at Wisdom Gym / Promotions.

The Wisdom Gym Head Coach Asare informed that Allotey has fought opponents from different continents and he is now experienced and ready for a world title, after 10 fights without defeat.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Zinabu Issah and Gilbert Ampiah who won medals in Morocco recently have presented their achievements to the President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Mr. Samson Deen at a short ceremony in Accra on Tuesday at the NPC Secretariat.

The ceremony was a symbolic gesture to recognize Deen’s exceptional leadership, commitment to athletes’ development and tireless advocacy to inclusion equality and opportunity within the Ghanaian and global Paralympic movement.

The medals were presented as a token of gratitude and inspiration reaffirming the vision of building Ghana into a continental powerhouse in para - sports.

Mr. Samson Deen expressed his deep appreciation commending the athletes for their excellence and encouraging all young Ghanaians living with disabilities to dream big, train hard and aim for global podiums.

Gilbert Ampiah, a 16-year-old para-athlete from St. Augustine’s College clinched a bronze medal in the High Jump T44 category at the prestigious Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech.

The legendary Zinabu Issah won Gold with 29.25 Record in Discuss Throw at WPA 2025 Marrakesch Grand Prix. She also got silver in shot putt.

The other athlete who did not win a medal was Edmund Govina, who competes in Men’s T31 Shot Put and Discus Throw categories.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Engr Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and re-elected ANOCA Treasurer General has congratulated the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and Electoral Commission of Ghana for organising very successful, free, fair and transparent elections on Saturday April 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Speaking at the Congress he urged delegates to conduct themselves well as the whole world is watching Ghana and Africa.

He commended the past President Ben Nunoo Mensah for steering affairs of the GOC effectively resulting in an Olympic medal at Tokyo 2020 and earning the confidence of the Olympic family to the extent of securing funds for the OlympiAfrica project at Amasaman.

Engr Gumel said Ghana has very good sports personalities and sports administrators and the Olympic family expects a successful election.

He congratulated the winners who will form the new board for the next four years after they had been sworn in by Hon. Kofi Adams,  Minister of Sports and Recreation.

63 delegates voted for the President, Third Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, and Board Members to represent Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

Richard Akpokavie,  a former Secretary General and ex-President of the Ghana Hockey Association polled 44 votes to beat Michael Odum Aggrey who got 19 votes for the President position.

Ernest Danso also polled 44 votes against incumbent Mohammed Mahadi with only 18 votes to become the new 3rd Vice President.

Evans Yeboah got the Treasurer position beating Isaac Duah with three votes difference in a hot contest. While Nii Lante Bannerman secured the Assistant Treasurer position.

First Vice President Mawuko Afadzinu, Second Vice President Fred Lartey Otu and Deputy Secretary General Bawa Fuseini as well as Samuel Tetteh Ayer were unopposed and so got an easy ride.

Others who won to become Board Members are George Lamptey,, George Tetteh,  Delphine Quaye,, Rafanu Inusah, Rev. Richmond Quarcoo, Kamal Sulley. Edwin Amankwah, Nathaniel Johnson and George Owusu Ansah aka Nana Mankatah.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams aka 'Gas Man' has congratulated the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Lawyer Richard Akpokavie and the new board to steer affairs of the Olympic Movement in Ghana. He was at the Accra International Conference Center last Saturday to offer morale and spiritual support to the candidates and delegates.

Williams who was youth coordinator of the GOC during the first term of former President Ben Nunoo Mensah (2017 -2021) said the idea of organising a retreat for all Federation Presidents and supporting athletes to get their voices heard as well as empowering women are in the right direction, while solving disputes within the sporting family and not going to court is another laudable ideal to create peace and unity among sports leaders.

Mr. Olla Williams who is the President of Ghana Tug of War Association advised the new GOC President to remain affable and be transparent.

He is also Ghana Representative of the Pillow Fighting Championships which is very entertaining and CEO of Dreamland Sports Plus/ One on One Foundation, organizers of the SHS sanitation and sports programmes.

He said GAS means Ghana Sports Ambassador and he is playing that role unofficially but effectively with students in second cycle and tertiary institutions.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana’s Paralympian Zinabu Issah who won Gold with 29.25 Record in Discuss Throw at the WPA 2025 Marrakesch Grand Prix and bronze medalists high jumper  Gilbert Ampiah have returned home.

Zinabu Issah's achievement was impressive as she competed in the F57 women's discus throw event. She won a gold medal at the 2024 Grand Prix Marrakech in Morocco with a throw of 26.66 meters, which positioned her well to represent Ghana at the Paralympic Games.

She won silver in her second competition, the Women’s F57 Shot Put with a throw of 8.54 meters as the gold went to a Nigerian who threw 8.94 meters.

She is close to qualifying for the WPA 2025 World Championships and 2026 Commonwealth Games.

She plans to train hard to compete at the 2025 Grand Prix in Paris and All Women WPA Grand Prix in Czech Republic for more exposure and experience.

Gilbert Ampiah, a 16-year-old para-athlete from St. Augustine’s College, has clinched a bronze medal in the High Jump T44 category at the prestigious Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco. With an impressive jump of 1.73 meters, Gilbert secured his first international medal - a remarkable testament to his dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

By Sammy Heywood Okine