In a monumental achievement for Ghanaian sports, Eric Ofori Addo, a former captain of Ghana’s national table tennis team, has been selected as one of Africa’s top umpires for the prestigious 2025 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Umpire Support Program. 

This accolade marks a significant milestone in Eric’s remarkable journey from a celebrated athlete to an internationally recognized official, cementing his status as a trailblazer for Ghanaian officiating on the global stage.

Eric’s story is one of grit, passion, and unrelenting ambition. Once a standout player who led Ghana to a bronze medal at the West African Championship, Eric transitioned into officiating in 2022, earning his certification as an International Umpire. 

His dedication and expertise quickly set him apart, and today, he stands among the continent’s elite—named one of Africa’s top 12 umpires and one of only six male umpires selected for the ITTF’s 2025 Africa program. 

This recognition not only highlights his personal excellence but also underscores Ghana’s growing influence in international table tennis.

The ITTF Umpire Support Program is a transformative opportunity for Eric, offering a comprehensive support package to elevate his role in global officiating. 

The ITTF Development arm will provide partial financial assistance for travel arrangements, easing the logistical challenges of international assignments. 

Additionally, the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) will cover accommodation costs for selected events, allowing Eric to focus entirely on his duties. 

Most significantly, Eric will officiate at a major ITTF event in Africa in 2025—a landmark moment that positions him among the continent’s most trusted officials and amplifies Ghana’s presence in the sport.

Eric’s ascent to this level is a testament to his unwavering commitment, both to table tennis and to his country. 

By day, he serves diligently at the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), balancing his professional responsibilities with his passion for the sport. 

Yet, it is on the international stage where Eric truly shines, carrying the weight of national pride with every call he makes. 

His selection as Africa’s sole representative at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender in Helsingborg, Sweden, from June 6 to 9, 2025, further showcased his growing influence, earning him accolades from peers and fans alike.

Reflecting on his journey, Eric shared his vision with characteristic humility and determination: “It’s a dream come true. I’m going there to raise the flag of Ghana high and open the door for more umpires to follow. My eyes are set on the World Championships—and one day, the Olympics.” 

His words resonate not only as a personal ambition but as an inspiration for aspiring umpires across Ghana, proving that with hard work and dedication, the global stage is within reach.

This moment belongs not only to Eric but to the entire Ghanaian table tennis community. The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), led by executives like Mawuko Afadzinu, has been instrumental in supporting Eric’s rise, alongside the broader fraternity of umpires and players who have rallied behind him. 

Their collective efforts have helped position Ghana as a rising force in African table tennis, with Eric as its standard-bearer.

As Eric Ofori Addo prepares to take on his role in the ITTF Umpire Support Program, he carries with him the hopes of a nation. 

His journey—from the courts of local championships to the global spotlight—embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence that defines Ghanaian sport. 

With his sights set on the World Championships and the Olympics, Eric is not just chasing dreams; he is paving the way for future generations of Ghanaian officials to follow.