The 2025 Tour du Ghana burst into life on Saturday in Accra with German rider Philipp Bachi of the Obroni team, setting the tone after storming to victory in the 3.5km Prologue to claim the first yellow jersey of the competition.
Bachi produced a blistering run of two minutes, 32 seconds, powering ahead of the field in what proved a commanding statement of intent in the opening test against the clock.
Benin’s Pascal Akovobahou secured second place with 2:58 minutes, while another German, Aaron Wehde, clocked exactly 3.00 minutes to complete the podium, laying down an early European marker as the 12-day festival of cycling began.
Flagged off at the historic Osu Castle by Ghana Olympic Committee President Richard Akpokavie, the Prologue route led riders through the heart of the capital to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where competitors raced individually and the fastest times were rewarded.
This year’s Tour du Ghana features 72 athletes representing 10 teams, including three from Ghana and three from Europe, underlining the race’s growing international stature.
Following last Saturday’s Prologue and a colourful official opening ceremony, riders and officials enjoyed a relaxed excursion day yesterday, moving from the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to the Shai Hills.
The break formed part of the race’s broader ambition: to showcase Ghana’s rich tourism offerings to the global cycling community.
The real race begins today
Stage 2 flags off this morning from Accra (Shai Hills) to Ho, covering 114.1km. The Volta Regional capital will serve as the heartbeat of the competition over the coming days, hosting three consecutive stages before the peloton heads back to the Greater Accra Region.
Stage 3 tomorrow takes riders from Ho STC to Ho Fumi over 80km, before Wednesday’s equally testing 80km loop from Ho STC back to the same finish line, scheduled for November 19.
The tour then pauses on Thursday and Friday to once again push tourism to the forefront, with riders visiting Mount Afadjato and other historic sites across the Volta Region.
Racing resumes on Saturday with a demanding 104km Stage 5 in Akwamufie, setting the tone for the grand finale.
The curtain comes down on Sunday, November 23, with a 96km Circuit Race at Olebu in Accra, where President John Dramani Mahama is expected to be the special guest of honour.
