Michael Odum Aggrey, a prominent figure in Ghanaian sports administration, has made a firm pledge to improve governance, transparency, and accountability within national sports federations as he vies for the presidency of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).
Aggrey’s commitment comes in the build-up to the highly anticipated GOC Elective Congress, scheduled to take place on April 26, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Center. The congress will mark a pivotal moment in Ghana’s sports leadership, as current GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah prepares to step down after two consecutive terms, spanning from 2017 to 2025.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Sports, Aggrey underscored his readiness to build upon the foundations laid by the outgoing administration, with a strategic focus on governance reforms and institutional strengthening.
“We’re going to build on the structures that have been put together because it is on the foundation of those structures that we can build and bring successes to the committee,” Aggrey said, stressing his intent to ensure continuity while introducing improvements.
With over 30 candidates vying for various executive roles in the upcoming congress, this election has emerged as one of the most competitive and consequential in GOC’s recent history. The presidency race, however, is expected to be closely contested between Aggrey and seasoned sports administrator Richard Kofi Akpokavie.
Aggrey, a former President of the Ghana Golf Association, brings a wealth of experience in sports leadership. His tenure with the Golf Association was marked by development projects aimed at expanding the sport’s reach and improving its organizational structure. His track record of fostering discipline and institutional accountability has made him a respected figure in Ghanaian sports circles.
In his campaign for the GOC top job, Aggrey has repeatedly emphasized the need to enhance the operational integrity of the country’s sports federations.
“We are going to strengthen the manner in which federations are run so that federations can be accountable and as transparent as we would like to be,” he stated. “The credibility of our national sports structures depends on it.”
This emphasis on transparency and governance reform is timely, as concerns over financial mismanagement and administrative inefficiencies have plagued some sports federations in the past. Aggrey believes that establishing clear governance frameworks and introducing checks and balances are essential for elevating Ghana’s international sports reputation.
“You cannot achieve long-term sporting success without trust in the system. When federations function transparently, athletes benefit, funding increases, and public support grows,” he added.
Aggrey also pointed to the importance of collaboration between the GOC and individual federations, arguing that a united, strategic approach would help Ghana perform more competitively on the global stage.
“My leadership will prioritize partnership, not politics. We need to shift the focus from power struggles to productivity. It’s time to rally around shared goals—developing talent, improving infrastructure, and positioning Ghana as a continental leader in sports,” he said.
His campaign platform also highlights initiatives aimed at athlete welfare, sustainable funding for sporting activities, and leveraging digital tools to enhance communication and monitoring within federations.
In a political climate where sports leadership is increasingly seen as a pathway to national development, Aggrey’s forward-looking proposals have garnered attention from stakeholders, including former athletes and regional sports heads.
Kojo Mensah, a regional sports coordinator, welcomed Aggrey’s emphasis on governance, stating, “We need a GOC president who understands that transparency is not just a buzzword. It’s the backbone of everything we hope to build. Aggrey’s approach gives us hope that change is coming.”
The April 26 election will be held under the supervision of the GOC Electoral Commission, with delegates drawn from various sports federations, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and other affiliated institutions. The elections are expected to usher in a new era for the GOC, with fresh mandates that reflect the current needs of Ghana’s sporting landscape.
Outgoing president Ben Nunoo Mensah, who has served since 2017, has been credited with helping Ghana secure a strong presence at international competitions, including the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. However, his final term has seen calls for reform in areas such as funding distribution, infrastructure, and inclusivity.
Aggrey, aware of the legacy left behind, remains committed to building upon it while infusing new energy and purpose into the GOC.
“I respect the efforts of President Nunoo Mensah and all that has been achieved. But we must move forward. The next chapter must be written with boldness, with vision, and with an unwavering focus on the athletes we serve,” he said.
His chief opponent, Richard Kofi Akpokavie, is no stranger to GOC leadership, having served in key administrative roles over the years. The choice between the two candidates is expected to hinge on which vision resonates most with stakeholders looking for progress and innovation.
Observers believe the results of this election could reshape the future of Ghanaian sports for years to come.
As the countdown to the GOC Elective Congress continues, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on candidates like Michael Aggrey, who promises not just continuity, but transformation—anchored in accountability, driven by integrity, and fueled by a desire to elevate Ghana’s sporting future.
