Accra, April 26, 2025 – Richard Akpokavie Esq. has been elected as the new President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), garnering 44 votes to defeat his opponent Michael Odum Aggrey, who secured 19 votes. The election was held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Committee Hall 1.
In his acceptance speech, Akpokavie emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork in advancing Ghanaian sports. “We must remain united as the leading voice representing the interest of the many young people who play sports,” he said. “Working as a team or unit is crucial to our success.”
Akpokavie highlighted the need to conform to the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship, which are the foundation of the Olympic Movement. He also stressed the importance of resolving disputes through alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, rather than traditional court systems.
The new President pledged to prioritize athlete welfare and empowerment, women empowerment, and safeguarding and protection of women. “It is completely unacceptable that our athletes’ voices are not heard at congress and on the executive board,” he said. “We have to change this immediately.”
Akpokavie also emphasized the need to increase women’s representation in leadership positions in sports federations. “In this modern era, it is sad that we have so many few women in leadership in the federations,” he said. “In the next 4 years, this must change.”
The President assured stakeholders, including ANOCA, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, that the GOC is determined to collaborate and make Ghana sports better.
GOC Election Results:
The full results of the GOC elections are as follows:
- President: Richard Akpokavie Esq. (Hockey) – 44 votes, Michael Odum Aggrey (Golf) – 19 votes
- 1st Vice President: Mawuko Afadzinu (Table Tennis) – Unopposed
- 2nd Vice President: Frederick Lartey Otu (Taekwondo) – Unopposed
- 3rd Vice President: Ernest Danso (Baseball/Softball) – 43 votes, Mohammed Mahadi (Fencing) – 19 votes
- Secretary General: Kassim Mohammed Muniru (Swimming) – 33 votes, Mohammed Sahnoon (Cycling) – 30 votes
- Assistant Secretary General: Bawah Fuseini (Athletics) – Unopposed
- Treasurer: Evans Yeboah (Badminton) – 33 votes, Isaac Aboagye-Duah (Tennis) – 30 votes
- Assistant Treasurer: Edward Patrick Nii Lante Bannerman (Handball) – 44 votes, Bernard Quartey (Boxing Federation) – 10 votes, Aurora Commodore-Toppar (Basketball) – 9 votes
- Five (5) Olympic Sports:
- George Lamptey (Boxing Federation) – 34 votes
- Delphina Quaye (Swimming) – 53 votes
- Richmond Rexford Quarcoo – 46 votes
- George Tettey (Volleyball) – 44 votes
- Kamal Sulley (Rowing & Canoeing) – 50 votes
- Prosper Harrison Addo Esq (Football) – 28
- Albert Kyei Frimpong (Baseball/Softball) – 14
- Dr. Benjamin K.D. Asante (Hockey) – 32
- One Non-Olympic Sports:
- George Owusu Ansah (Nana Adu Mankata II) (Sports For All) – 34 votes
- Abdul Hayye Yartey (Bodybuilding & Fitness) – 28 votes
- One Affiliated:
- Samuel Tetteh Ayer (SESSA) – Unopposed
- Three (3) Other Members:
- Nathaniel Johnson (Karate-do) – 38 votes
- Edwin Amankwah (Armwrestling) – 38 votes
- Rafatu Inusah (Triathlon) – 39 votes
- Emmanuel Djani Nikoi (Netball) – 18
- Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah Asare (Cricket) – 17
- Michael Ntow Ayeh (GES) – 25
- Leonard K. Okyere (Golf) – 5
With his election, Akpokavie has set a bold vision for Ghanaian sports, emphasizing unity, teamwork, and progress. “Ghana Sports: We Dare to Dream Again!” he concluded.
