Ghana’s Olympic movement is charting a fresh course as seasoned sports administrator Richard Kofi Akpokavie has been elected President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the Commonwealth Games Federation, signaling a new era of leadership.
At a decisive elective congress held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Akpokavie secured a commanding 44 votes out of 63 valid ballots, firmly beating rival Michael Odum Aggrey, who managed 19 votes. He succeeds Ben Nunoo Mensah, who steered the GOC for the past eight years.
The elections brought significant changes across key executive positions, as delegates opted for a blend of continuity and renewal.
The fiercely contested race for Secretary-General saw Mohammed Muniru Kassim narrowly defeat incumbent Mohammed Baadee Sahnoon by just three votes, reflecting the tight competition for the GOC’s second most influential role.
Meanwhile, continuity was maintained in the vice presidential slots as Mawuko Afadzinu retained his position as First Vice President unopposed, and Frederick Otu Lartey also kept his Second Vice President role without challenge. Ernest Danso, Chef De Mission for the 13th African Games, added new energy to the executive by defeating incumbent Mohammed Mahadi for the Third Vice President seat.
In the financial management positions, Evans Yeboah, President of the Badminton Association of Ghana, was elected as Treasurer, while Nii Lante Bannerman clinched the Assistant Treasurer post.
Here’s the full list of winners from the GOC elections:
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President: Richard Akpokavie
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First Vice President: Mawuko Afadzinu
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Second Vice President: Frederick Otu Lartey
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Third Vice President: Ernest Danso
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Secretary-General: Mohammed Muniru Kassim
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Treasurer: Evans Yeboah
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Assistant Treasurer: Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman
Olympic Sports Representatives (Five slots):
Delphina Quaye, George Lamptey, Richmond Quarcoo, George Tettey, Kamal Sulley
Non-Olympic Sports Representative:
George Owusu Ansah (National Sports for All)
Three Other Elected Members:
Rafatu Inusah, Edwin Amankwah, Nathaniel Johnson
The outcome reflects a strong desire for dynamic leadership as Ghana prepares to sharpen its competitiveness on both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games stages.
