The Central and Western Region Canoeing Association (CEWERCA) was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Cape Coast, marking a major step in the growth of the sport across Ghana’s coastal communities.
The newly elected Executive Board comprises:
President: Bismark Amponsah
Vice President: Phinihas Takyi
Secretary: Mrs. Sandra Smith
Organizer: Ins. Ernest Amewu
Treasurer: Emmanuel Ekow Mensah
The launch is seen as a milestone for canoeing, a sport deeply woven into the culture of communities along Ghana’s rivers and coastline. Towns like Cape Coast, Elmina, Sekondi, Axim and Winneba have a rich history of competitive canoeing, with races forming a key part of traditional festivals such as the “Bakatue” lagoon opening ceremonies in Cape Coast and Elmina.
CEWERCA aims to formalize and strengthen these traditions by introducing professional structures that can develop elite athletes for the Ghana Canoeing Federation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Kamal Sulley, National President of the Ghana Canoeing Federation and Vice President of the Confederation of African Canoeing, described the move as timely.
“The establishment of this regional association is a step in the right direction,” Sulley said. “Considering the massive interest shown by the people, it feels like the chicken has come home to roost. This is a great moment for Ghana. In the near future, we will see what the Central and Western Regions can deliver in the sport of canoeing.”
He added that CEWERCA, together with the National Federation, has already begun planning a major competition to be staged in the regions during this year’s festive season. CEWERCA President Bismark Amponsah said the inauguration came after a year of groundwork.
“It is exciting to see the association inaugurated after one year of rigorous behind-the-scenes engagements with different groups. Soliciting interest and completing registration has been quite a journey,” Amponsah said. “We pledge to give our best to see the best.”
With its launch, CEWERCA hopes to give canoeing the recognition it has long been denied and turn coastal tradition into national sporting success.
