GOC elections: Yeboah vows to modernise GOC finances, empower athletes
President of the Ghana Badminton Association (BAG), Evans Yeboah, has set his sights on overhauling the financial structure of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), pledging sweeping reforms if elected as Treasurer when the national Olympic body holds its elections later this month.
Mr Yeboah, a seasoned Chartered Management Accountant with more than 20 years of experience, is currently the 2nd Vice-President of the GOC under the administration of outgoing President, Ben Nunoo Mensah, and believes his financial acumen is exactly what the Committee needs to usher in a new era of transparency, efficiency and athlete-focused development.
“Experience really counts and I bring proven financial leadership,” Mr Yeboah told Graphic Sports.
“As a Management Accountant who understands and speaks the language of finance, I will institute prudent financial controls and champion transparency,” he emphasised.
The elections, scheduled for April 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre, will mark the end of Mr Nunoo Mensah’s tenure after two terms at the helm of Ghana’s Olympic movement.
So far, former Vice-President, Richard Akpokavie, is the only confirmed candidate for the presidency following the official opening of nominations on March 28.
As the April 18 deadline for nominations approaches, several other aspirants have thrown their hats into the ring for key executive roles.
Notable among them are Frederick Otu, vying for the 2nd Vice-President slot; Mohammed Mahadi, eyeing the 3rd Vice-President position, and Bawah Fuseini, President of Ghana Athletics, who is seeking the role of Deputy Secretary-General.
Strong contest
However, the spotlight is firmly on what promises to be one of the most competitive contests — the race for Treasurer.
The Ghana badminton chief will go head-to-head with Isaac Duah Aboagye, President of the Ghana Tennis Federation, whose credentials include over two decades as treasurer of the Army Mess Tennis Club, a tenure he claims was marked by financial integrity and sound stewardship.
Mr Aboagye, who also served as Chef de Mission for Team Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has proudly declared that his leadership was free of any financial scandal — a claim he believes strengthens his case to oversee the GOC’s purse.
But Mr Yeboah is unfazed. Since assuming the presidency of BAG in 2017, he has built a strong track record in both national and continental sports administration.
He has served as Finance Committee Chairman of the GOC, Treasurer and Vice-President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), and was Team Leader for Ghana’s contingent at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He also currently serves as Competition Director for Badminton Africa.
Vision
These cumulative experiences, he said, had prepared him for the Treasurer’s role — and for ensuring that funding for federations and athletes was not only increased but also properly managed.
“I’m committed to securing and stabilising IOC grants, and aim to push annual funding beyond $200,000,” he said.
“This will support prompt distribution to federations and athletes while enhancing transparency,” he added.
Yet, Mr Yeboah’s ambitions stretch far beyond balance sheets. He is also passionate about athlete empowerment and long-term welfare.
“I’ll promote athlete financial literacy by training them in investment and wealth management,” he promised.
“We’ll set up pension and insurance schemes for athletes and establish a national bonus structure to reward excellence,” he pledged.
On the question of whether seeking a lower-ranked role after previously serving as Vice-President signals a demotion, Mr Yeboah was unequivocal:
“Leadership is about service, not position. The Treasurer’s role is not about power — it’s a sacred duty to our athletes, federations and the future of Ghana sports,” he said.
“If the delegates call me to serve in this capacity, I am willing and able. I see it not as a step down, but a strategic opportunity to bring my experience to bear,” he added.
