Fifteen years ago, a simple business meeting turned into a defining moment for corporate Ghana. When Ambassador Edward Boateng, then Group CEO of Global Media Alliance, walked into Japan Motors to procure vehicles for his company, he could not have predicted that a casual conversation would give rise to one of the most enduring and inspiring events in the country’s corporate landscape.
In conversation with Mr. Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director of Japan Motors, the two discovered a shared passion—running. Both men, avid enthusiasts of the sport, were struck by an odd reality: aside from the long-established Milo Marathon, Ghana lacked consistent, well-organised running events. There was no space where corporate leaders and professionals could come together around fitness, community, and purpose.
That moment of shared vision planted the seed for something remarkable—a corporate fun run dedicated not just to health and wellness, but to philanthropy, collaboration, and nation-building.
Recognising the potential, Salem handed the idea over to his younger brother, Mr. Salah Kalmoni, a passionate runner, organiser, and believer in the power of movement—both physical and social. Salah did not just take over the idea; he took full ownership of it. With relentless dedication, he nurtured this vision, building a team, mobilising sponsors, and creating the systems needed to sustain what would become Ghana’s premier corporate running event.
With the support of a committed team from Japan Motors, Silver Star Auto, and Global Media Alliance, the first Corporate Fun Run was launched. What began as a 5-kilometre event has since grown into a national platform where nearly 6,000 corporate executives have participated over the years.
Ernest Boateng, CEO of Global Media Alliance, works with Salah on the media side of such a large public event, helping to ensure its visibility and impact continue to grow.
Held annually on September 21st, the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, the date was chosen deliberately—to align the event with the ideals of visionary leadership, unity, and progress. Just as Nkrumah believed in the power of people to drive transformation, the Fun Run celebrates the idea that organisations can be engines not only of economic success but of social good.
This event is far more than a race. It is a symbol of organisational excellence—a testament to what happens when people come together with purpose. It has raised funds for important causes, promoted a culture of health in the workplace, and encouraged meaningful connections across industries and generations.
One of the most profound impacts of the event has been its support of the Ghana Blind Union. Over the years, proceeds from the run have gone toward supporting the Union’s initiatives—but more importantly, members of the Ghana Blind Union are invited and encouraged to participate in the run itself, making the event not just about charity, but about inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity. To witness the determination and joy with which they take part is to be reminded of the human spirit’s boundless capacity to rise.
Executives who might otherwise only meet across boardroom tables find themselves side by side on the track—sharing sweat, laughter, and purpose. Titles fade, and what emerges is a renewed sense of teamwork, resilience, and humanity.
At the heart of this legacy are the visionaries who dared to dream and act. Ambassador Edward Boateng, whose curiosity and openness sparked the idea. Salem Kalmoni, whose wisdom and generosity gave it life. And most of all, Salah Kalmoni, whose dedication, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence have kept the vision alive year after year.
Salah has not simply managed an event—he has built a movement. A movement that champions wellness over weariness, giving over getting, and unity over division. His leadership has shown that events like this don’t just happen; they are built with heart, consistency, and a deep belief in people.
The Corporate Fun Run reminds us all of what is possible when we look beyond the narrow definitions of success. It shows that corporations can do more than chase profit—they can build community, foster wellness, and invest in the future.
Let the Corporate Fun Run be more than an annual event. Let it be a symbol of what we can achieve—when vision meets action, when organisations act with heart, and when people come together not just to run a race, but to run toward something greater.
