Richard Akpokavie. As the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) prepares for its pivotal election on April 26, 2025, the nation stands at a crossroads in its sporting journey. After eight years under the leadership of Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, the GOC is due for a reset—a transformation that promises transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on sports development. While Mr. Mensah seeks a third term, a fresh and compelling contender has emerged: Mr. Richard Akpokavie, a legal practitioner, former president of the Ghana Hockey Association, and ex-General Secretary of the GOC. His vision to realign the GOC with the aspirations of Ghanaians and the incoming John Mahama administration makes him the ideal candidate to lead this charge.
The Case for a Reset
The past eight years under Mr. Mensah’s stewardship have left much to be desired. Ghana’s sporting landscape has stagnated, with little progress in infrastructure, athlete support, or international success to show for it. Allegations of misappropriation of funds and a lack of accountability have cast a shadow over the GOC, eroding public trust. The absence of audited accounts—a basic tenet of good governance—has only fueled skepticism about how resources meant for sports development have been managed. Worse still, the administration’s apparent efforts to mute media scrutiny have stifled open dialogue, leaving Ghanaians in the dark about the true state of the GOC.
Sports in Ghana deserve better. Our athletes, who carry the nation’s hopes on the global stage, need a committee that prioritizes their welfare and invests in their potential. Corporate Ghana, too, has been hesitant to partner with an organization plagued by opacity and inefficiency. The GOC must evolve into a transparent, viable, and corporate-friendly entity capable of attracting the investment needed to propel sports forward. This is where a reset becomes not just desirable, but essential.
Richard Akpokavie: A Visionary Leader for a New Era
Enter Mr. Richard Akpokavie—a man uniquely qualified to spearhead this transformation. With his extensive experience in sports administration, including his tenure as GOC General Secretary and his leadership of the Ghana Hockey Association, Akpokavie brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and a proven track record. His background as a legal practitioner further equips him to instill discipline, uphold integrity, and ensure that the GOC operates within a framework of accountability.
Akpokavie’s campaign is built on a promise to reset the GOC, aligning it with the incoming John Mahama administration’s agenda of resetting Ghana. His vision is clear: to make the GOC a centerpiece for sports development, fostering an environment where athletes thrive, federations are empowered, and corporate partners see value in investing. He has pledged to introduce transparency by ensuring regular audits and open reporting, dismantling the culture of secrecy that has hindered progress. By making the GOC a corporate-friendly entity, Akpokavie aims to unlock sponsorships and funding that have eluded Ghanaian sports for too long.
Why Akpokavie Stands Out
Unlike the incumbent, whose tenure has been marked by inertia and controversy, Akpokavie offers a fresh start. His insider experience within the GOC gives him an intimate understanding of its challenges, while his outsider perspective as a former leader brings a critical eye to its shortcomings. He is not tethered to the status quo, nor burdened by the baggage of the past eight years. His legal expertise will be instrumental in crafting policies that protect the GOC’s finances and ensure they are directed toward tangible outcomes—be it training facilities, athlete scholarships, or grassroots programs.
Moreover, Akpokavie’s proactive engagement with corporate stakeholders signals his intent to bridge the gap between the GOC and the private sector. His recent high-stakes meetings with top sponsors demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to securing sustainable funding—a stark contrast to the current administration’s apparent reluctance to innovate. With Ghana poised to host international events and compete on the global stage, Akpokavie’s leadership could position the GOC as a catalyst for a sporting renaissance.
A Call to Action
The GOC election on April 26, 2025, is more than a routine vote—it is a referendum on the future of Ghanaian sports. The current trajectory, marked by stagnation and distrust, is unsustainable. A reset is overdue, and Mr. Richard Akpokavie is the man to deliver it. His blend of experience, integrity, and vision offers hope for a GOC that serves athletes, engages the public, and attracts corporate support. As Ghanaians, we must rally behind this opportunity to reclaim our sporting pride. On April 26, let us choose progress over complacency—let us choose Richard Akpokavie to reset the GOC for the benefit of all.