In a significant step toward reshaping the future of sports in Ghana, the campaign team supporting Mr Richard Akpokavie’s bid for president of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has officially presented its comprehensive manifesto to Mr Akpokavie and a distinguished group of elders from the national sports fraternity.
Dubbed the “National Sports Federations Manifesto”, the document outlines a new and dynamic development strategy designed to elevate both athletes and federations across the country. This strategic roadmap is the product of months of consultation, reflection, and collaboration with stakeholders at every level of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.
The manifesto highlights key pillars such as:
Athlete Welfare & Development: A new athlete-centred strategy focusing on training, education, mental health, and post-career opportunities
Federation Capacity Building: Structured support to improve governance, access to funding, and high-performance systems
Sustainable Growth: A roadmap for attracting investment, strengthening accountability, and fostering innovation across disciplines
Grassroots to Podium Vision: Bridging community-level sports to elite competition through talent identification and long-term athlete development pathways.
Media Attaché Stipend:
As part of the campaign’s inclusive outreach, the team also proposed the introduction of a Media Attaché Stipend, aimed at supporting communication officers within federations to enhance publicity, promote athlete stories, and ensure consistent engagement with the public and sponsors.
Local Olympic Solidarity Funds:
The manifesto also advocates for the restructuring and efficient deployment of Olympic Solidarity Funds at the local level, ensuring that federations and athletes receive direct support to execute training programmes, attend international competitions, and develop grassroots projects.
Local Olympic Games:
To foster unity and identify emerging talent nationwide, the campaign proposes the institution of Local Olympic Games—a biennial multi-sport competition designed to engage all regions and promote Olympic values at the grassroots level.
Clean Sports Education:
Partner with NADMO, RADO, and WADA to intensify anti-doping efforts.
Roll out youth education programmes on fair play, health, and integrity.
Ghana as a Sports Tourism Hub:
Position Ghana as a host destination for continental sports events.
Assist the sports ministry to upgrade key sports facilities to international standards.
Launch a sports tourism campaign as part of national branding.
Mr. Akpokavie, visibly inspired by the presentation, praised the team’s effort and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership and actionable progress. “This manifesto reflects not just my vision but a collective ambition to transform Ghanaian sports with integrity, purpose, and unity,” he said.
The event, which brought together seasoned sports administrators and development experts, marks a key moment in the Akpokavie campaign as it gains momentum ahead of the upcoming GOC elections.
The Campaign Team will continue engaging federations, athletes, and stakeholders nationwide to build consensus around this shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable sporting future.
INTEGRATED MESSAGING ACROSS ALL PHASES
“Athletes First. Federations Strong. Governance Transparent.”
“Sports is a GDP driver – let’s commercialise Ghanaian talent.”
“From the playground to the podium: One Vision. One Team. One Ghana.”
“Together, We Win – Building the Future of Ghana Sports, United.”
