The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) commemorated the annual International Olympic Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Accra. It is a vibrant celebration of sports, unity, and excellence. The event drew hundreds of participants who converged at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and walked through the streets to the Accra Sports Stadium.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Move, Learn, and Discover”. According to Richard Akpokavie Esq., President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, the event aimed to promote physical activity, sports development, and unity among Ghanaians.
“We want you to see the various sports, some of the sports that are available, so that if you are interested, you can think about what you can do to be part of that sport,” Akpokavie explained. “Move, learn, discover. We want you to be active.”
Akpokavie emphasised the importance of physical activity, citing the World Health Organisation’s finding that one in every four people on earth is inactive.
“We want you to do physical activity. It will make you healthier. And so, it’s important that you move,” he said.
Akpokavie also highlighted the core values of Olympism, which are excellence, respect, and friendship.
“Excellence: Because you must be the best of the best. Respect: Because you must respect yourself and respect your neighbour. Friendship: because we are all a big family, no discrimination,” he explained.
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity in sports.
“Regardless of your age, your status, or your background, we are all one. We’re here for unity. It’s very important,” Ankrah said.
Board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Nathaniel Johnson Esq., expressed his delight at the revival of the Olympic Day celebration.
“The Olympic Day is a big day for all of us, in fact the whole world,” Johnson said. “I’m seeing a big change in the sports fraternity in Ghana now with a new Olympic board; I think that things are changing.”
Johnson added that he sees a bright future ahead for sports in Ghana, with the new Olympic board leading the way.
“You know, we’ve gone around a few places, and for me, I see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
The event featured a range of activities, including walks, aerobics, quizzes, and demonstrations of 21 sporting disciplines. The celebration was a resounding success, promoting the values of Olympism and inspiring a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
