President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie, has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving school sports through strategic partnerships with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education.
Speaking during Ghana’s celebration of Olympic Day; an annual global event observed by all 206 National Olympic Committees to mark the birth of the modern Olympic Games’. Akpokavie said school sports must become a national priority once again.
He says if this is done, it will be a step in the right direction.
“We are looking to collaborate with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education. Part of this government’s agenda is to establish a school sports authority. We are looking to push for that authority to be established so that school sports can have dedicated funding, then we can collaborate to be able to develop school sports”, Mr Akpokavie said.
He explained that rebuilding a strong school sports culture is essential to developing Ghana’s future athletes and creating a reliable talent pipeline.
Because it’s very important that we do so, so that we can develop the sports in Ghana. The easiest way to help the athletes is to develop the sports here and in the school sports which is the basis.
According to Mr. Akpokavie, when school sports are well-structured and supported, young talents will have the right foundation; whether they remain in Ghana or pursue opportunities abroad.
“That’s why I said that once we are able to get school sports developed, then we have a pipeline of people who can develop further. And if you have to go outside, you have the foundation here, and if you have to develop here, you have the foundation. So it’s important that you get a foundation right.”
He added that the aim is to restore the vibrancy of school sports seen in past generations, when inter-school competitions were breeding grounds for top national athletes.
Ampofo Ankrah reflects on spirit of Olympic International Day
…urges sporting community to embrace excellence and respect
Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has underscored the deeper meaning behind International Olympic Day, urging the sporting community to embrace the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
In Accra, the Ghana Olympic Committee joined 206 National Olympic Committees worldwide to mark the day with a vibrant unity walk and community event, aimed at showcasing the power of sport to inspire and unite.
According to Ampofo Ankrah, the celebration was about more than physical activity; it was about promoting the true spirit of the Olympics.
We are not here for ourselves, we are here for the good of the sport and to unify or bring unity amongst ourselves.
International Olympic Day
The International Olympic Day on June 23 is celebrated to honour the Olympic Movement and to promote the benefits of sport worldwide.
The GOC held a walk session today from the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum to the Accra Sports Stadium
Speaking during the event, he called on athletes, fans, administrators, and federations to live out these values both on and off the field.
Excellence means striving to do whatever we do to the best of our ability. Friendship reminds us that sport is not war; it’s a tool to bring us together, before, during, and after competition.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah during an Aerobic session on Olympic Day. He also emphasised the importance of respect in all areas of sport.
We must respect our opponents, the rules, supporters, federations, associations; everyone involved must show respect
As Ghana marked Olympic Day with energy and purpose, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s message stood out as a timely reminder that sport is more than competition; it’s a powerful force for unity, growth, and shared purpose.
“We are not here for ourselves, we are here for the good of the sports and to unify or bring unity amongst ourselves” – Yaw Ampfo Ankrah
