As the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) gears up for its highly anticipated elective congress on April 26, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, one candidate stands out for his lifelong dedication to sports development and advocacy for inclusivity: Nana Adu Mankatah, known in private life as George Owusu Ansah. The seasoned sports administrator and president of the Sports for All Association of Ghana is vying for one of the coveted non-Olympic sports positions on the GOC executive board. With a rich history of achievements in sports administration and a passion for elevating non-Olympic disciplines, Mankatah is poised to make a transformative impact if elected.
A Legacy of Sports Leadership
Nana Adu Mankatah’s journey in sports administration is a testament to his commitment to fostering athletic excellence and community engagement. As the president of the Sports for All Association of Ghana, he has championed grassroots sports initiatives, promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles across the country. His leadership in this organization has seen the proliferation of “Keep Fit” clubs, which have become a cornerstone of community sports in Ghana, encouraging participation among people of all ages and backgrounds.
Mankatah’s contributions extend far beyond grassroots efforts. He has served as a board member of the GOC, bringing his expertise to the highest levels of sports governance in the country. In 2019, as the logistics officer for Team Ghana at the African Games in Morocco, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the team’s smooth operations, contributing to Ghana’s success on the continental stage. His efforts were recognized by the Women In Sports Association (WISA), which he commended for honoring outstanding female athletes and teams during the 2019 Ghandour WISA/Omy TV Achievers Awards held at the Accra Sports Stadium. Mankatah emphasized the importance of recognizing sports achievers, stating, “Recognizing and rewarding sports achievers is a way of encouragement and motivation.”
His tenure as the former president of the Ghana Mass Sports Association further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader. Under his stewardship, the association expanded its reach, promoting mass participation in sports and laying the groundwork for talent identification. Mankatah’s ability to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite sports has earned him widespread respect among athletes, administrators, and sports enthusiasts alike.
A Champion for Non-Olympic Sports
The non-Olympic sports position Mankatah is contesting is critical to the GOC’s mission of developing and protecting the Olympic movement in Ghana while fostering the growth of lesser-known sports. Non-Olympic disciplines, such as traditional sports, emerging games, and niche activities, often struggle for recognition and resources compared to their Olympic counterparts. Mankatah’s candidacy is a beacon of hope for these sports, as he brings a clear vision to elevate their status and integrate them into the global Olympic framework.
If elected, Mankatah has pledged to advocate for increased funding, infrastructure development, and international exposure for non-Olympic sports. His plan includes lobbying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider including disciplines with strong cultural significance in Ghana, such as traditional wrestling and archery, in future Olympic programs. “Non-Olympic sports are the heartbeat of our cultural heritage,” Mankatah said in a recent interview. “By nurturing these disciplines, we can showcase Ghana’s diversity and athletic prowess on the world stage.”
Mankatah’s experience as a sports activist positions him uniquely to navigate the complex landscape of international sports governance. He envisions partnerships with continental bodies like the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and global organizations to create pathways for non-Olympic sports to gain recognition. His track record of collaboration, evidenced by his role in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 7th Africa Zone Two Senior Swimming Championship in 2020, demonstrates his ability to deliver results in high-stakes environments.
Achievements That Speak Volumes
Mankatah’s contributions to sports have been both practical and inspirational. As a board member of the GOC, he has been instrumental in shaping policies that prioritize athlete welfare and development. His involvement in the 2019 African Games saw him coordinate logistics for a diverse contingent of athletes, ensuring they could focus on performance rather than administrative challenges. His work earned praise from athletes and officials alike, with many crediting his organizational skills for Team Ghana’s cohesive performance.
In his role with the Sports for All Association, Mankatah has spearheaded initiatives that have democratized access to sports. The establishment of Keep Fit Clubs has not only promoted physical health but also fostered social cohesion in communities across Ghana. These clubs have become breeding grounds for talent, with several athletes discovered through these programs going on to represent Ghana in regional competitions.
Mankatah’s advocacy for women in sports is another hallmark of his career. At the 2019 WISA Awards, he called on corporate sponsors to support initiatives that uplift female athletes, recognizing their potential to inspire future generations. His commitment to gender equality aligns with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability in sports.
The Road to April 26
The elective congress at the Accra International Conference Centre will see over 20 candidates vying for various GOC positions, with the presidential race between Richard Akpokavie and Michael Odum Aggrey drawing significant attention. However, the contest for the non-Olympic sports position is equally critical, as it will determine the future of disciplines that represent Ghana’s cultural and athletic diversity.
Mankatah faces stiff competition, with eight candidates, including Emmanuel Djani Nikoi, Emmanuel Owusu Ansah-Asare, and Rafatu Inusah, also in the running for the three additional membership positions elected by Congress. Yet, Mankatah’s extensive experience, coupled with his passion for non-Olympic sports, makes him a formidable contender. Delegates are expected to weigh his proven track record against the promises of his rivals, with many anticipating that his vision for inclusivity will resonate strongly.
Outgoing GOC president Ben Nunoo Mensah has urged delegates to elect leaders based on “credibility, integrity, selflessness, and their records and achievements.” Mankatah embodies these qualities, and his campaign has centered on unity, progress, and innovation. “I am here to serve the sports community and ensure that every athlete, regardless of their discipline, has a chance to shine,” he declared at a recent campaign event.
A Vision for the Olympics
Mankatah’s ultimate goal is to see non-Olympic sports gain a foothold in the Olympic Games, a feat that would elevate Ghana’s global sports profile. He points to the inclusion of sports like skateboarding and sport climbing in recent Olympics as evidence that the IOC is open to evolving its program. By building robust national federations for non-Olympic sports and securing international partnerships, Mankatah believes Ghana can lead the charge in Africa.
His strategy includes establishing training centers dedicated to non-Olympic disciplines, providing athletes with access to world-class coaching and facilities. He also plans to leverage the OlympAfrica project at Amasaman, championed by the outgoing GOC leadership, to create a hub for non-Olympic sports development. “The Olympics are not just about medals; they are about inspiring a nation,” Mankatah said. “Non-Olympic sports can tell Ghana’s story to the world.”
A Call to Action
As the April 26 congress approaches, Nana Adu Mankatah’s candidacy represents a bold step toward a more inclusive and dynamic GOC. His achievements in sports administration, from grassroots mobilization to international representation, underscore his readiness to take on the non-Olympic sports portfolio. For delegates, the choice is clear: a vote for Mankatah is a vote for a future where every sport, no matter how niche, has a place in Ghana’s Olympic journey.
With the Accra International Conference Centre set to host a historic election, all eyes are on Mankatah to deliver on his promise of transformation. As he steps into the spotlight, the sports community waits with bated breath to see if this visionary leader will secure the mandate to reshape the future of non-Olympic sports in Ghana.
Kwame Larweh is a sports journalist based in Accra, covering the Olympic movement and grassroots sports development in Ghana.
