Author: Sammy Heywood Okine
Immediate past President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, believes Ghanaian sports must do well and should not struggle under the current political dispensation.
While sharing some moments with Ghana’s lone bronze medallist at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Amadu Mohammed, he revealed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has experienced sports administrators such as Ernest Thompson, B.T. Baba, Albert K. Frimpong, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Samson Deen, Kofi Mainoo, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and others who can be consulted to develop a strategic plan to salvage Ghana Sports.
HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, as he is known, said Ghana is blessed with talent in every sport, including winter sports, but noted that the passion for sports in Ghana is also on another level, although it fluctuates from time to time.
He said it appears the nation is stagnant in the realm of international sports, while other countries continue to develop and invest heavily in human resources and sports infrastructure.
He served as President of the GOC for eight years, during which Ghana won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games for the first time in 29 years and also secured five medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
He stressed that leaders must consult widely and remain humble in their leadership in order to learn and improve.
He commended the athletes who represented Ghana at the recent Commonwealth Games and prayed that they would perform even better in future competitions.
He also commended Amadu Mohammed for keeping the fire burning in the camp of the Black Bombers by bringing home a medal.
Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, who is the Ga Noryaa Mantse, presented GH¢5,000 to Amadu Mohammed, fulfilling a promise he had made to the Black Bombers if the boxer reached the medal zone. Amadu missed out on GH¢15,000 for gold and GH¢10,000 for silver.
Ben Nunoo Mensah is a boxing fan; however, he later became President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation and served on its continental board.
He is currently the Vice President of the ANOCA Marketing Commission and a member of its Games Commission.
