The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has ushered in a new era of leadership following elections held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Veteran sports administrator, Richard Kofi Akpokavie, was elected President of both GOC and the Commonwealth Games Federation of Ghana.
He secured a commanding 44 votes out of 63 valid votes cast, defeating contender Michael Odum Aggrey, who polled 19 votes. Mr. Akpokavie now steps into the shoes of outgoing president Ben Nunoo Mensah, who served for eight years.
In a fiercely contested race for General Secretary, Mohammed Muniru Kassim narrowly edged out incumbent Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon by just three votes, underlining the competitive spirit of the elections.
Mawuko Afadzinu, a well-respected figure in sports circles, retained his position as First Vice President unopposed, while Mr. Frederick Otu Lartey also maintained his role as Second Vice President without challenge.
The Third Vice President position saw a shake-up, with Ernest Danso, Chef De Mission for the 13th African Games, defeating incumbent Mohammed Mahadi.
In the financial leadership race, Evans Yeboah, President of the Badminton Association of Ghana, was elected Treasurer, while Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman won the position of Assistant Treasurer.
The full list of newly elected GOC executives is as follows:
•President: Richard Kofi Akpokavie
•First Vice President: Mawuko Afadzinu
•Second Vice President: Frederick Otu Lartey
•Third Vice President: Ernest Danso
•Secretary-General: Mohammed Muniru Kassim
•Treasurer: Evans Yeboah
•Assistant Treasurer: Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman
Additionally, five individuals were elected to represent Olympic sports: Delphina Quaye, George Lamptey, Richmond Quarcoo, George Tettey, and Kamal Sulley.
George Owusu Ansah (National Sports for All) will represent the Non-Olympic sports category.
Three other members — Rafatu Inusah, Edwin Amankwah, and Nathaniel Johnson — were also elected to serve on the board.
The newly elected executives have pledged to work together to elevate Ghana’s standing in international sports and strengthen the Olympic movement across the country.
