Full Speech By Richard Akpokavie Esq At 2026 AGM Of The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC)
GHANA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Good morning, leaders of our federations. It is a privilege and an honour to stand before you at this General Meeting after one year in office following the elections of 2025.
I would also like to extend a special welcome to the representatives of the Athletes’ Commission at their first meeting in many years.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Colleagues, after the elections, we gathered in Koforidua from 22nd to 24th May 2025 to strategize and map out our path for this Olympic quadrennial, 2025–2029. All the federations were represented, and we had stimulating and productive discussions which culminated in the official launch of our Strategic Plan on 8th January 2026.
We have outlined clear goals that we intend to achieve over the next few years, and I urge all federations to familiarize themselves with the plan and align their activities with its objectives.
I respectfully encourage all federation leaders to work collaboratively to ensure that each federation actively supports and promotes the six strategic focus areas we have identified:
• Putting athletes at the centre of all that we do
• Building capacity
• Empowering women
• Promoting inclusive leadership with integrity
• Securing funding for sports
• Building strategic partnerships
These should not remain mere words in a strategic document. They are solemn promises we make to every young athlete who dares to wear the red, gold, and green of Ghana.
They are commitments we make to every parent, coach, administrator, and medical professional who dedicates time and effort—often without reward—to keep sports alive across our communities, districts, and regions.
By uniting our efforts and focusing on these priorities, we can collectively advance the objectives of the Ghana Olympic Committee and strengthen the development of sports throughout the nation. Let us each take responsibility within our respective federations to champion these strategic areas and contribute meaningfully to our shared vision and mission.
We must also remember that one of the goals of the Koforidua retreat was to strengthen the bond among sports leaders in Ghana so that we can work more closely together. I believe we achieved that objective, and it is my hope that we will continue to work as one united family over the next few years. God willing, we will organize another retreat by the end of this year or early next year to review our progress and plans.
TEAM GHANA IN 2025
Colleagues, let me now focus on what makes our strategy meaningful – our athletes and their performances in competition.
Over the past year, the GOC, in collaboration with the federations, prepared and presented Team Ghana at three different multi-sport events in Africa. Each of these competitions tells a story of talent, hard work, resilience, and the power of collective effort.
ANOCA SCHOOL GAMES – ALGERIA
26TH JULY – 5TH AUGUST 2025
Disciplines: Athletics, Badminton, Canoeing, Boxing, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cycling, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, and Tennis.
Contingent: 41 athletes, 14 coaches, and 8 officials.
Medal Performance:
• Badminton – 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
• Boxing – 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
• Table Tennis – 1 Bronze
• Basketball – 1 Bronze
• Taekwondo – 1 Bronze
• Athletics – 3 Bronze
Chef de Mission: Michael Ntow Ayeh
ANOCA YOUTH GAMES – ANGOLA
10TH – 20TH DECEMBER 2025
Chef de Mission: Kamal Sulley
Contingent: 41 athletes and 22 officials.
Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Fencing, Golf, Judo, Karate, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, and Weightlifting.
Medal Performance:
• Gold – 3
• Silver – 6
• Bronze – 12
Breakdown:
• Athletics – 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
• Badminton – 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
• Boxing – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
• Canoeing – 1 Bronze
• Golf – 1 Bronze
• Karate – 1 Bronze
• Taekwondo – 1 Bronze
• Weightlifting – 3 Silver
ANOCA ZONE 3 GAMES – BURKINA FASO
11TH – 19TH OCTOBER 2025
Chef de Mission: Edward Nii Lante Bannerman
Contingent: 63 members made up of 47 athletes, 7 coaches, 1 Team Manager, 1 Administrator, 1 medical officer, welfare officer, translator, safeguarding officer, Chef de Mission, and driver.
Sports: Handball (Men & Women), Volleyball (Men), Karate (Men), and Taekwondo (Men).
Medal Performance:
• Volleyball Men – Gold
• Handball Men – Silver
• Handball Women – Silver
• Karate Men – Silver and Bronze
• Taekwondo Men – Silver
May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Cricket, Armwrestling, Athletics and Scrabble for hosting international competitions in Ghana. Athletics has had a few rough days but we are grateful that things are on course now.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
COMMONWEALTH GAMES – GLASGOW 2026
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from 23rd July to 2nd August 2026. We expect to send a contingent of approximately 40 athletes, depending on outstanding qualifications, together with 21 officials including coaches, medical personnel, safeguarding officers, and the Chef de Mission.
We will compete in Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Judo, Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Swimming, and Weightlifting.
Although this year’s Commonwealth Games is a scaled-down version compared to
Birmingham 2022, we believe our athletes will make Ghana proud. We wish our gallant athletes the very best in Glasgow.
I am also pleased to inform you that, on the sidelines of the Games, we will collaborate with government to promote Ghana through our “Ghana House” concept. This initiative will showcase Ghanaian business opportunities, tourism, and the creative arts.
We hope to return from Glasgow not only with medals, but also with new partnerships and friendships that will create opportunities and jobs for young people.
YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES – DAKAR
The International Federations and the IOC are still finalizing allocations for sports disciplines and athlete quotas. Federations will be informed once the process is completed.
As is customary with the Youth Olympic Games, Ghana is likely to field a small contingent of approximately eight athletes in Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Fencing, Taekwondo, and Beach Volleyball.
LOS ANGELES 2028
We must never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate goal of this quadrennial is for the GOC to qualify as many athletes as possible for the Olympic Games and to position them to win medals.
We must therefore be deliberate in our actions so that our athletes are adequately
prepared and given the best opportunity to qualify and excel. In the coming weeks, we will continue engaging the federations regarding their preparations and plans toward Los Angeles 2028.
OLYMPAFRICA PROJECT – AMASAMAN
This project has stalled for some time, and the Olympafrica Secretariat has expressed concern over the delays.
Following engagements with the Executive Director, the plan is to resume construction by the end of June; otherwise, we may be required to refund the $100,000 disbursed to us in 2022.
The Board has established a committee, headed by Nii Lante Bannerman, which has engaged all relevant stakeholders, including the Ga North Municipal Assembly, to ensure work begins on schedule.
We have provided in our budget the sum of $100,000 to start construction of a multi purpose hall this year.
It is important to note that the Minister responsible for Sports and Recreation has also pledged the Ministry’s support toward completing the project.
The Executive Director of Olympafrica is expected to visit Ghana in June for further discussions on the completion of the project.
GOC OFFICES
We have commenced renovations of the GOC offices, which will be carried out gradually and in phases. So far, the boardroom has been renovated to make it more suitable for meetings and receiving guests.
The GOC also has several assets, including old furniture and abandoned vehicles. An inventory and valuation exercise has been completed, and these items will be auctioned to recover some funds and create additional office space.
We also commissioned an IT audit. The findings revealed weak cybersecurity systems, obsolete and unsecured equipment, the absence of a data recovery policy, unlicensed software, and inadequate operational applications.
We are currently working with consultants to address these issues so that by the next General Meeting we can report significant improvements in our IT systems and infrastructure, making us more protected, efficient and professional as an international organization.
I can also report that we continue to face challenges with the facility manager appointed by the Ministry of Works and Housing regarding the fees charged for the space we occupy. We are making every effort to secure documentation that establishes the GOC’s interest in the land and building from which we operate.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOC, FEDERATIONS, AND THE STATE
The Olympic Charter guarantees the autonomy of International Federations and National Olympic Committees, establishing their right to govern their sports independently, elect their leaders, and operate free from political, legal, or economic interference.
National Federations also enjoy this autonomy and are required to govern their sports independently while operating within the laws of Ghana.
Ghana once experienced the unfortunate suspension of the GOC by the IOC over allegations of political interference. Some of us witnessed firsthand the devastating impact this had on our athletes, and we must do everything within our power to avoid a repeat.
Following that impasse, our sports laws were amended, and L.I. 1988 came into force in 2011. This introduced the current system in which federation heads are elected rather than appointed by government.
The current Sports Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2477), which replaced L.I. 1988, represents an improvement and clearly outlines the responsibilities of both the state and federations.
I therefore urge all federation leaders to obtain and study a copy of L.I. 2477 so that we become fully aware of our rights and responsibilities.
The IOC and Commonwealth Sport continually remind us that good governance and accountability are essential to preserving our autonomy and independence.
Members, you will recall that during our retreat in Koforidua, one of the key issues discussed was conflict resolution within federations so that fewer disputes end up in court or before bodies unfamiliar with our operations.
Over the last couple of years, we have had serious disputes in several federations including taekwondo, rugby, weightlifting, swimming, table tennis some of which have ended up in court leading to incarceration of some leaders.
We cannot continue like this, and it is important we put in structures and systems even if temporarily to prevent and or resolve such conflicts.
Consequently, pursuant to the goals in our Strategic Plan, the Executive Board has approved the establishment of a GOC Mediation Tribunal. This tribunal will receive petitions from aggrieved persons or bodies within federations and seek to mediate
disputes toward mutually beneficial outcomes. We also encourage that all federations set up dispute resolution committees that can assist in resolving internal disputes. We will be inaugurating this tribunal very soon to usher in a new era of resolving sports dispute.
The advantage of mediation is that parties voluntarily engage with the assistance of trained and independent mediators to arrive at solutions acceptable to all.
This initiative is intended to reduce conflicts within federations and minimize litigation until we eventually undertake a full constitutional review.
Finally, before I end my presentation on this topic it is my view that it is not too late to resolve the current impasse between the NSA and the Swimming Federation. I believe that when all the parties including World Aquatics, come together to sit at the table and discuss the issues a lasting solution can be found in the interest of the athletes.
SUPPORT FOR FEDERATIONS
Over the past twelve months, we have supported almost all federations with the limited resources available to us.
I remain hopeful that with renewed efforts in sponsorship and fundraising, we will be able to generate enough resources to support every federation more effectively.
I believe the best approach is to allocate fixed sums to federations, with the amount determined by whether the federation represents an Olympic or non-Olympic sport. Federations would then access these funds annually for approved activities.
It is my hope that within the next three years, we can establish such a system to promote fairness, equity, and transparency.
FUNDING – A THREAT WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE
My dear federation leaders, the greatest threat to sports development in Ghana remains funding. The time has come for us to speak candidly about this issue, which threatens to undermine all the progress we have made.
The financial challenges facing the GOC and our federations directly affect our ability to fulfil our mandate. Budgetary allocations to sports remain inadequate, and even approved funds are often released late or not at all.
Last year, the GOC struggled to adequately prepare athletes for the School Games and Youth Games. This year, we are expected to prepare athletes for both the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympic Games, yet we are still awaiting funding.
We understand the broader economic challenges affecting all sectors. However, we respectfully appeal for the timely release of the limited funds approved for sports, because preparation for international competitions begins months before the actual events.
I also wish to make a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana. There is no doubt that football remains our most popular and most organized sport.
However, Ghana also has over twenty-four Olympic sports and ten non-Olympic sports whose athletes continue to bring honour and recognition to our nation.
As corporate institutions it is fair to support football with millions of dollars for World Cup campaigns, I respectfully ask that support also be extended to the GOC and other sports.
Even as you give football $10 million or $5 million for the World Cup give the GOC $2 million or $1 million for the Commonwealth Games. When this happens the impact on young people will be broader and more meaningful. There are many young people (Ghanaians) from Gambaga to Accra, from Wiawso to Keta who may prefer hockey, boxing, badminton, cycling, volleyball, basketball, canoeing or armwrestling. Even if they are in the minority, they also deserve the “crumbs that fall from the dinner table”
Even if they are in the minority, they too deserve support and opportunity. This is why the establishment of the Sports Fund is critical. If managed properly, transparently, and fairly, it will become a game changer for sports development in Ghana.
We look forward to reviewing the rules and regulations governing access to the Fund, and we stand ready to contribute our expertise and experience to ensure its success.
I also encourage all federation leaders to become ambassadors for the Sports Fund and help encourage greater corporate contributions toward sustainable sports financing.
CONCLUSION – THE ROAD AHEAD
My dear friends, we have started well, although there is still a long road ahead.
There is much more we can achieve together, and I urge all of us as leaders to continue collaborating in ways that ease the burden on our athletes so they can focus on training and excellence rather than the daily struggles of survival.
I wish to sincerely thank all federation leaders for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading you over the next few years. I do not take your trust for granted, and I remain committed to doing everything within my power to grow and develop sports in Ghana for the benefit of our athletes.
To the federations, you carry out the difficult daily work of identifying talent, nurturing athletes, and preparing them for competition. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
I also wish to thank members of the Board and Executive Committee for their dedication and support over the past year. To those who occasionally disappear, please prepare yourselves for even more work in the years ahead.
To the dedicated staff of the GOC, thank you for your hard work, though much more remains to be done.
To the Honourable Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, MP for Buem, together with your Chief Director and staff, thank you for the collaboration and support. I believe we can do even more together for the advancement of sports in Ghana.
Finally, to our athletes—who make us proud every day and without whom none of us would have work to do—thank you for your sacrifice, discipline, and dedication. We will do our very best not to disappoint you.
Every day, I wake up thinking about how to make your burden lighter so that you can focus, excel, and bring glory to your families and to Ghana.
Thank you, and May God bless our homeland Ghana and make her sports great and strong.
By Sammy Heywood Okine and Wendy Naa Dedei Sampah