The incumbent Secretary General of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mohammed Sahnoon, has made an impassioned appeal to delegates to retain him at the helm when the Olympic movement goes to the polls to elect a new executive board, championing his experience, steady leadership, and vision for the future of Ghanaian sports.

The respected sports administrator and President of the Ghana Cycling Federation laid out a compelling case for continuity, citing tangible achievements under his watch and outlining bold plans to elevate every Olympic discipline in the country.

“This is not the time to start over—it’s the time to finish what we started,” Mr Sahnoon declared in an interview with the Daily Graphic. “I’ve brought focus, discipline and structure to the GOC, and I’m committed to driving greater results across all sporting disciplines.”

Mr Sahnoon has been widely credited with the resurgence of cycling in Ghana, particularly among the youth, using grassroots events to drive participation and cultivate talent.

He pledged to build on this foundation if re-elected, with a focus on expanding opportunities for all Olympic sports disciplines.  

“Cycling’s growth is a clear sign of what consistent leadership can achieve. Now imagine that same energy channelled into judo, fencing, or handball,” he said.

Dispelling rumours of internal rifts, particularly with outgoing GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah, he was emphatic: “There is no division. I have always worked with respect within the statutes of the GOC and in the best interest of Ghana sports.”

Achievements and vision 

Mr Sahnoon’s bid for re-election is underpinned by a bold vision: to ensure that all Olympic sports under the GOC umbrella thrive, not just the headline-makers.

“From athletics to lesser-known disciplines, I am committed to creating pathways for athletes to excel locally and internationally,” he said.

He also highlighted his efforts to align the GOC with international bodies such as the Commonwealth Games Federation, ensuring Ghana remains a respected player in global sports.

Mr Sahnoon’s tenure has faced scrutiny, with critics pointing to operational challenges, including delays in securing visas for athletes and perceived inefficiencies in coordinating with sports federations.

Some stakeholders have also expressed concerns about limited funding and international exposure for lesser-known sports, arguing that the GOC could do more to secure sponsorships and global opportunities.

He expressed confidence that his collaborative approach and deep understanding of sports administration would drive the GOC toward greater success.