The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, will officially flag off this year’s Tour du Ghana on November 15, marking the beginning of an extraordinary celebration of cycling prowess, cultural heritage, tourism, and national unity.
The opening stage will feature a 3.5-kilometer prologue, starting from the Osu Castle and finishing at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, opposite the Supreme Court of Ghana. This symbolic route highlights Ghana’s rich history and vibrant capital, setting the tone for a truly national event.
International Participation and National Representation
The Tour du Ghana 2025 will feature 72 elite cyclists and professional racers from 12 teams across the globe, including:
Universe Cycling Team (Netherlands)
Team Bahati (USA)
Cycling Team Schwingshandl Team (Austral/Germany)
Vetrapo B Close Balenzo CT Team (Belgium)
Team France Club Défense (France)
National teams from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso
And three top teams from Ghana, the proud host nation
The competition will traverse the scenic routes of the Oti, Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, offering spectators an unforgettable journey through Ghana’s breathtaking landscapes and culturally rich communities.
Showcasing Ghanaian Culture and Tradition
The 2025 edition introduces a signature highlight — the “Black Star Experience”, a cultural initiative that blends sport and heritage.
Launched earlier this year by President Mahama, the Black Star Experience celebrates Ghanaian and African identity through traditional music, art, and cultural performances along the race routes.
Cyclists will not only race for victory but also embody the spirit of Ghanaian culture, unity, and pride, transforming each stage into a moving festival of African excellence. This initiative positions cycling as a vehicle for national identity, tourism promotion, and continental connection.
Presidential Commitment to Sports and Youth Development
By personally flagging off the Tour du Ghana, President Mahama reaffirms his commitment to the growth of cycling and the empowerment of Ghana’s youth.
His involvement reflects the government’s belief in sports as a tool for youth development, public health, tourism promotion, and community engagement.
The President is also expected to attend the final stage of the race, demonstrating his ongoing support for the sport’s sustainability and visibility.
His participation further strengthens Ghana’s bid to host the permanent headquarters of the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) — a decision expected to be finalized following the directive at the UCI Congress in Rwanda, which stated that each continental confederation must establish a permanent base within its continent.
With Ghana’s strong cycling tradition, strategic location, and growing international partnerships, the country stands a strong chance of winning this bid.
President Mahama’s passion for youth sports development is well known. In February 2023, he extended financial support of GHS 8,000 to the Ghana Youth Cycling Team, which won bronze at the 19th CAC African Road Cycling Championship.
He also expressed his interest in meeting the young athletes, whose achievements contributed to Ghana’s qualification efforts for the 2023 African Games and the 2024 Olympic Games.
Learning from Rwanda’s Example
Across Africa, Rwanda has set an inspiring precedent under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame.
In February 2025, President Kagame, together with UCI President David Lappartient, officially launched the Tour du Rwanda, an internationally acclaimed race featuring 69 cyclists from 14 teams representing Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the United States.
The event showcased Rwanda’s world-class organization and coincided with the inauguration of a UCI Cycling Development Center in Kigali — a facility dedicated to nurturing African talent and expanding access to cycling across the continent.
Rwanda’s success demonstrates how sports can transform national image, attract tourism, and foster unity, serving as a continental model for others.
Ghana’s Turn to Lead
Inspired by Rwanda’s success, Ghana is now charting its own path.
Through the Tour du Ghana, the nation seeks to build a robust cycling ecosystem, enhance sports tourism, and celebrate cultural and national identity.
Backed by national and corporate partners, the 2025 edition is expected to draw global attention and reaffirm Ghana’s rising status as a cycling and tourism hub in West Africa.
A Shared Vision for Africa’s Sporting Future
Both President Mahama and President Kagame exemplify how visionary African leadership can elevate sports beyond competition — transforming cycling into a vehicle for progress, inclusion, and pride.
As the peloton rolls through Ghana’s heartlands this November, the Tour du Ghana will not only showcase speed and endurance but also the resilient spirit of a nation pedaling toward greatness.
The Black Star Experience will shine bright — uniting athletes, communities, and cultures under one shared banner of African excellence.
