Put Athletes First - GOC President Charges National Federations

Accra, Ghana - 26 May, 2025 -  President of the Ghana Olympic Committee Richard Kofi Akpokavie has called on leaders of National Federations to prioritize athletes' needs, emphasizing that their roles exist solely because of the athletes they serve.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day retreat for National Federations in Koforidua, Akpokavie stressed the importance of putting athletes first in decision-making processes.

''You are a federation president or secretary because of your athletes. without them, there will be no federation to run'', he stated.

He highlighted the Ghana Olympic Committee's commitment to establishing an effective Athletes Commission, providing training grants and scholarships, and fostering a high-performance environment. 

Akpokavie also urged National Federations to collaborate with the GOC to leave a lasting legacy for Ghanaian sports, projecting a positive image that would attract corporate support.

During a presentation on the GOC's SWOT analysis, Akpokavie identified strengths such as international recognition and strong leadership, while also acknowledging weaknesses like talent identification and governance gaps. 

He noted opportunities for growth through untapped partnerships and digitalization, but warned of threats including political interference and talent drain.

The GOC's efforts aim to rebrand sports in Ghana, addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities to promote athlete-centered development and high-performance environments.

By focusing on athlete welfare and collaborative approaches, Akpokavie hopes to build a strong legacy for Ghanaian sports, enhancing the GOC's reputation and attracting support from corporate institutions.

The retreat provides a platform for National Federations to work together, sharing strategies and best practices to drive Ghana's sports development forward.

Source: Lead News Online