The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie, has released a comprehensive four-year roadmap, which, he promised, will guide the GOC’s efforts to nurture talent and elevate Ghana’s sporting profile.

Speaking at a gathering of sports journalists in Tema last Sunday, the GOC boss outlined his vision to reposition the Olympic body as a dynamic modern institution aligned with global trends, fostering sustainable growth in the nation’s sports sector.

The initiative includes the construction of a state-of-the-art boxing gym in Tema Newtown, a move Akpokavie believes will empower local youth and bolster grassroots sports development. 

“We must focus on the least-financed sporting disciplines to unearth hidden talents and create opportunities for young Ghanaians,” he declared.

Attracting financial support

Akpokavie emphasised that rebranding the GOC was critical to attracting the financial backing needed to transform sports into a viable economic venture. 

“A modernised GOC will not only inspire confidence among corporate sponsors but also galvanise public support, ensuring we have the resources to develop world-class athletes,” he said. 

He also stated the importance of aligning the committee’s operations with contemporary standards to make sports a catalyst for youth empowerment and national pride.

Akpokavie also promised to prioritise underrepresented disciplines such as wrestling, taekwondo and athletics, so as to diversify Ghana’s sporting portfolio and produce athletes capable of competing on the global stage. 

“Our goal is to make sports a beacon of hope for the youth, creating pathways to economic independence and international success,” he added.

The GOC president called on the media to play a pivotal role in amplifying the committee’s efforts, urging journalists to highlight success stories and challenges within Ghana’s sports ecosystem. 

“The media is our partner in this journey. Your coverage will help us build a narrative that inspires corporate investment and public enthusiasm,” he told the gathering.