Akpokavie elected GOC President in landmark victory
In a defining moment for Ghana’s Olympic movement, seasoned administrator, Richard Akpokavie, was elected as President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) last Saturday, ushering in a bold new era of leadership and ambition.
At the GOC’s elective congress in Accra, Mr Akpokavie secured a resounding 44 votes against 19 polled by his rival, Michael Odum Aggrey, completing a remarkable turnaround after narrowly missing out on the top job four years ago.
A former Secretary-General of the GOC, Mr Akpokavie’s victory marks a decisive show of confidence by the delegates, who have entrusted him to drive sweeping reforms focused on grassroots sports development and amplifying athletes’ voices within the Olympic movement.
In his stirring victory speech, the new GOC President pledged to ensure an inclusive style of leadership to usher the country’s Olympic movement into an era of growth and success.
“This is a collective victory for Ghanaian sports. Together, we will build a legacy of excellence,” declared Mr Akpokavie, who takes over from Ben Nunoo Mensah, who steps down after eight years at the helm, having steered Ghana through two Olympic cycles and laid the groundwork for sustained growth.
Old guards retained
The elections also saw the smooth re-election of Mawuko Afadzinu (Table Tennis) and Frederick Lartey Otu (Taekwondo) as 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President, respectively, both running unopposed.
In a spirited contest for 3rd Vice President, Ernest Danso (Baseball/Softball) defeated Mohammed Mahadi (Fencing), signalling a vote of confidence in his plans to strengthen GOC’s community outreach programmes.
Meanwhile, in one of the day’s fiercest battles, Mohammed Muniru (Swimming) narrowly edged out incumbent Mohammed Sahnoon (Cycling) to become the new General Secretary, winning by just three votes — 33 to 30.
Mr Muniru’s pledge to overhaul administrative processes and improve communication resonated strongly with voters.
Similarly, the Treasurer’s race delivered drama, with Evans Yeboah (Badminton) polling 33 votes to beat Isaac Aboagye-Duah (Tennis), who secured 30 votes.
In the Assistant Treasurer contest, Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman (Handball) triumphed over Bernard Quartey (Boxing Federation) and Aurora Commodore-Toppar (Basketball), rounding off a fiercely contested financial leadership team.
Bawah Fuseini (Athletics) was elected unopposed as Assistant Secretary-General.
New look GOC Board
Five administrators were voted onto the GOC board to represent Olympic sports disciplines: Kamal Sulley (Rowing & Canoeing), Delphina Quaye (Swimming), Richmond Rexford Quarcoo (Squash), George Tettey (Volleyball), and George Lamptey (Boxing).
