The Osu Mantse, His Royal Highness Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV, has pledged his support for the upcoming 2025 Absa Black Star Marathon, describing it as a vital initiative to promote healthy living and community wellness in Accra.

The Osu chief made the commitment when a delegation from Absa Bank Ghana and the Black Star Marathon Foundation paid a courtesy call at the Osu Palace to formally invite him to grace the international marathon event scheduled for Saturday, 26 July 2025. The race will start and end at the iconic Independence Square in Accra.

Speaking during the meeting, Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV praised the organisers for their respect and protocol in seeking the blessing of the traditional authority. 

He welcomed the initiative as a step in the right direction toward promoting good health in the community, urging all Ghanaians to participate and support this important cause.

The Osu Mantse's endorsement is seen as a significant boost for the marathon, which aims to not only encourage fitness but also raise awareness about kidney health, a growing public health concern in Ghana.

Mr Richard Doe - Sallah of Absa Bank Ghana, speaking on behalf of the organisers, highlighted the broader vision behind the marathon. “We came here this morning to invite the Ga Mantse and his subjects to join us in this very important marathon that is going to happen on their land,” he said. “It’s also a way of saying that we recognise the fact that we are having this event on your land, and we want you and the whole traditional area to be part of this important international marathon.”

He emphasised that the event aligns with Absa’s corporate mission to make a positive and inclusive impact on society. “The marathon itself is geared towards supporting healthy living and lifestyle, and also addressing critical health issues like kidney disease,” he added.

Also present was Naa Adokarley Mettle Tutu of the Black Star Marathon Foundation, who reiterated the health-focused goals of the event. “We are on a mission to promote good health, vitality, tourism, and awareness of kidney disease, which has become a major concern in Ghana,” she said. “We want the entire community and traditional leadership to stand with us in this national effort for wellness and transformation.”

This year’s marathon includes a variety of race categories: the full 42.2 km marathon for men and women, a 42.2 km racing wheelchair marathon, a 10 km walk/jog/run, and a 10 km wheelchair race.

The prize pool has been increased, with the total exceeding GH¢132,400. Both the men’s and women’s marathon winners will receive GH¢15,000 each, with generous prizes also allocated for other categories.

Registration for the event is currently open and will close on Monday, June 30 2025. With international athletes expected from across Africa and beyond, the 2025 edition is set to enhance Ghana’s standing as a destination for sports tourism, health advocacy, and inclusive athletic events.