By Kwame Larweh,
In a bold move to steer the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) toward a new era of unity and progress, Richard Akpokavie, a seasoned sports administrator and former General Secretary of the GOC, officially filed his nomination to contest for the presidency of the nation’s apex sporting body. The filing, which took place at the GOC headquarters in Accra, sets the stage for a highly anticipated elective congress scheduled for April 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Accompanied by key allies, Akpokavie submitted his nomination forms to Ms. Cynthia Wintima Akudugu, an administration officer of the GOC. The legal practitioner and sports enthusiast exuded confidence, emphasizing his unparalleled experience and vision to address the longstanding challenges plaguing Ghana’s sports sector.
A unifier with a proven track record
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic moments after filing his nomination, Akpokavie positioned himself as the ideal candidate to lead the GOC, citing his extensive experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of sports administration. “I have the experience, the knowledge, and the passion to transform Ghanaian sports,” he declared. “Having served as General Secretary for eight years, President of Ghana Hockey, and worked closely with all sporting disciplines, I understand their challenges and have the solutions to drive progress.”
Akpokavie underscored his ability to unite a fragmented sports community, which has often been marred by internal disputes and administrative inefficiencies under previous GOC leadership. “I am a unifier,” he said. “My tenure as General Secretary gave me the privilege of engaging with every sporting discipline. I know their ills, and I have the cure. Delegates must make the right choice to entrust me with the leadership of this profound sporting entity.”
Campaign promises: a vision for transformation
Beyond uniting the sports front, Akpokavie outlined a comprehensive vision to revolutionize Ghana’s sports ecosystem. Central to his campaign is the promise to make sports a tool for national development, youth empowerment, and revenue generation. “Sports can be a powerful avenue for national unity,” he said. “I will grow the sector to create jobs for the youth, generate revenue for the government, and position Ghana as a powerhouse in African and global sports.”
Among his key pledges, Akpokavie vowed to prioritize athlete welfare and inclusion in decision-making processes. “Athletes are the heart of the GOC, yet they have often been sidelined in administrative matters,” he noted. “I will establish a framework where athletes have a voice in the committee’s decisions, ensuring their concerns are addressed and their contributions valued.”
He also promised to enhance grassroots sports development by collaborating with schools, communities, and regional associations to identify and nurture talent early. “The future of Ghanaian sports lies in our youth,” Akpokavie said. “We must invest in grassroots programs to unearth the next generation of Olympians and world champions.”
Transparency and accountability were recurring themes in his campaign. Akpokavie committed to reforming the GOC’s financial management, ensuring that funds allocated for sports development are used judiciously. “Under my leadership, every cedi will be accounted for, and we will secure more sponsorships to reduce dependence on government funding,” he assured.
Addressing GOC’s challenges
Akpokavie did not shy away from addressing the myriad challenges facing the GOC, many of which he attributed to the shortcomings of past administrations. He highlighted the lack of cohesive leadership, inadequate athlete support, and poor coordination among sporting federations as critical issues that have hindered the committee’s progress.
“The GOC has been plagued by disunity and a lack of strategic direction,” he said. “Previous administrations have struggled to balance the needs of various federations, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. My experience equips me to bridge these gaps and foster collaboration.”
He also pointed to the underfunding of sports as a major obstacle. “Ghanaian athletes often compete on the global stage with limited resources, yet they continue to make us proud,” Akpokavie said. “It’s time to change that narrative by securing sustainable funding and creating an enabling environment for success.”
A call to action
With only days remaining before the close of nominations, Akpokavie’s candidacy has injected fresh energy into the race for the GOC presidency. His supporters, including prominent figures in Ghana’s sports community, believe his blend of experience, legal expertise, and passion for sports makes him the right leader to steer the GOC out of its current challenges.
“I am not just here to lead; I am here to serve,” Akpokavie told the Daily Graphic. “I urge delegates to look at my track record, my vision, and my commitment. Together, we can make the GOC a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for all Ghanaians.”
As the April 26 congress approaches, all eyes will be on Akpokavie and his opponent, with delegates tasked with choosing a leader capable of uniting the sports front and delivering on the promise of a brighter future for Ghanaian sports.
