The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie Esq., has issued a passionate plea to corporate Ghana to extend financial support beyond football to the nation’s Olympic and non-Olympic sports, warning that chronic underfunding remains the “greatest threat” to the country’s sports development.
Mr. Akpokavie made the appeal in his keynote address at the GOC’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held last Saturday at the Best Western Hotel in Accra. The congress was attended by the heads and leadership of all sporting federations and associations across the country.
Presenting a comprehensive review of the past year and a roadmap to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the GOC President did not hold back on the financial struggles facing the body.
“The greatest threat to sports development in Ghana remains funding,” Mr. Akpokavie told the gathered federation leaders. “Budgetary allocations remain inadequate, and even approved funds are often released late or not at all. Last year, we struggled to prepare for the School Games. This year, we are expected to prepare for both the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympic Games, yet we are still awaiting funding.”
In a direct appeal to the private sector, he drew a sharp contrast between the funding of football and other sports.
“It is fair to support football with millions of dollars for World Cup campaigns, but I respectfully ask that support also be extended to the GOC,” he said. “Even as you give football $10 million, give the GOC $2 million for the Commonwealth Games. There are many young people from Gambaga to Accra, from Wiawso to Keta who may prefer hockey, boxing, badminton, or canoeing. Even if they are in the minority, they too deserve the crumbs that fall from the dinner table.”
New Tribunal to Stop Litigation
In a major move to address internal strife, Mr. Akpokavie announced the establishment of a GOC Mediation Tribunal. The decision follows years of damaging legal battles and incarcerations of sports leaders in several federations, including taekwondo, rugby, weightlifting, and swimming.
“We cannot continue like this,” he warned. “We have had serious disputes leading to the incarceration of some leaders. Consequently, the Executive Board has approved the establishment of a GOC Mediation Tribunal to receive petitions and mediate disputes toward mutually beneficial outcomes.”
He urged all federations to set up internal dispute resolution committees, adding that the Tribunal will usher in a new era of resolving sports disputes without resorting to the courts.
Performance Review and Project Updates
The AGM served as a review of a busy 2025 campaign. Mr. Akpokavie detailed Team Ghana’s performances at three multi-sport events, including the ANOCA School Games in Algeria (41 athletes, 11 medals) and the ANOCA Youth Games in Angola (41 athletes, 21 medals), where Ghana secured three gold medals.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (July 23 – August 2), he confirmed Ghana expects to send approximately 40 athletes to compete in eight disciplines, including Athletics, Boxing, and Para sports.
However, he sounded the alarm on the stalled Olympafrica Project at Amasaman, revealing that the GOC risks having to refund a $100,000 disbursement if construction does not resume by the end of June. A committee has been established to ensure work begins on schedule.
Autonomy and the Swimming Impasse
Addressing the delicate relationship between the state and sports governing bodies, Mr. Akpokavie reminded leaders of the importance of autonomy. Recalling Ghana’s past suspension by the IOC due to political interference, he urged federations to study the Sports Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2477).
In a gesture of reconciliation, he also called for an end to the current impasse between the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Swimming Federation. “It is not too late to resolve this,” he said. “I believe that when all parties, including World Aquatics, sit at the table, a lasting solution can be found in the interest of the athletes.”
Conclusion
Ending on a note of unity, Mr. Akpokavie thanked the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, and the federation leaders for their trust. “To our athletes, who make us proud every day—thank you for your sacrifice. Every day, I wake up thinking about how to make your burden lighter so that you can excel and bring glory to your families and to Ghana.”
