Ghana table tennis has been handed a fresh start after the High Court threw out a legal challenge against the leadership of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), clearing the way for sweeping reforms to revitalise the sport.

The suit, brought by Naa Abdulai Abdul-Razak, sought to contest the legitimacy of the GTTA’s leadership but was withdrawn in court, with costs awarded against the claimant.

The ruling confirmed Mawuko Afadzinu and Dr Kenneth Ashigbey as the only recognised directors of the association.

Leadership secured

The verdict clarified a leadership tussle that had threatened to derail the sport’s progress. It settles months of uncertainty and reinforces the association’s authority when Ghanaian table tennis is desperate for structure, stability and ambition.

In the wake of the ruling, the GTTA has warned that it would not recognise or engage individuals or groups falsely claiming to act on behalf of the association.

The GTTA, in a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Mr Afadzinu and Dr Ashigbey, cautioned the public to disregard individuals or groups claiming to act on behalf of the association, other than the confirmed directors. 

With the leadership dispute now resolved, the GTTA has announced plans for a bold new direction.

The association’s leadership plans to engage the National Sports Authority to secure alignment and support for its vision before rolling out a comprehensive action plan to transform the sport through improved governance, player development and modernisation.

The roadmap announced includes a transparent elections roadmap to guide internal leadership processes, a review and restructuring of GTTA rules to boost accountability and efficiency and a detailed programme of events for the rest of 2025.

Plan of action

Other planned activities include stakeholder dialogue with athletes, coaches and partners under the banner of “Transform Table Tennis in Ghana”, nationwide efforts to step up training and preparation ahead of international tournaments, and digital innovation through launching a data-driven system for talent discovery and programme delivery.

The GTTA says these initiatives mark a turning point for the sport in Ghana.

“This ruling gives us the stability we need to push forward with our vision for table tennis in Ghana,” Mr Afadzinu told the Daily Graphic. “Our focus is now on building strong governance, empowering our athletes and creating the structures that will make Ghana a true force on the continental and global stage.”