After eight years at the helm of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah has announced he will not seek re-election in April as president of the Olympic movement, choosing instead to pass the baton to a successor who will build on the solid foundations laid during his tenure.

With speculation mounting over his future and many stakeholders urging him to continue, Mr Nunoo Mensah instead chose to bow out, believing leadership is about knowing when to pass the baton.

“While it would have been an honour to continue serving my nation and the sports community in this capacity, I have chosen to embrace a new path of service to humanity.

As a result, I will not be contesting in the upcoming GOC elections,” he declared in a statement confirming his decision.

His decision brings to an end a remarkable chapter in Ghana’s sporting history, marked by key infrastructure developments, increased support for lesser-funded sports and Ghana’s triumphant return to the Olympic medal podium after three decades.

Growth and progress

Mr Nunoo Mensah first assumed leadership of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) in March 2017, defeating the incumbent, Prof. Francis Dodoo in a fiercely contested election. He solidified his position with a landslide victory against Richard Akpokavie on March 15, 2021.

Taking charge at a time when the organisation needed renewed direction, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that have significantly advanced sports development in Ghana.

Under his stewardship, the GOC secured an additional six acres of land at Amasaman, complementing the existing 10 acres and successfully obtained the title deed. 

This site has since been developed into a vibrant Community Sports Centre, now home to two football academies, providing young talents with world-class facilities to hone their skills and nurture their potential.

In another major milestone, the GOC headquarters was officially named “Olympic House” and underwent extensive refurbishment and furnishing, creating a more efficient and professional working environment for Ghana’s Olympic movement.

In the last eight years, the GOC also championed the cause of lesser-funded sports, increasing visibility and ensuring consistent financial support for various national federations and athletes.

The outgoing GOC president’s commitment to development extended beyond the field of play, creating capacity-building and international travel opportunities for sports administrators and media professionals to cover major global events.

The pinnacle of his tenure came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where Ghana returned to the Olympic medal podium for the first time in 30 years after Samuel Takyi won bronze in boxing — a moment that will forever be etched in the country’s sporting history.

Grateful farewell

Reflecting on his time in office, the GOC president extended his gratitude to the numerous individuals and institutions who played a role in Ghana’s sporting success.

“I am deeply grateful to the various Presidents, ministers and director generals of the National Sports Authority with whom I have had the privilege to work.

My appreciation also extends to the federation presidents, my esteemed colleagues on the GOC board, our valued sponsors, the media and all those whose support, prayers and goodwill have made a difference,” he stated.

While his departure marks the end of a chapter, Nunoo Mensah remains confident that the next generation of leaders will continue to build on the progress achieved.

“This is the right moment to step aside and allow others to build upon the foundation we have laid.

I thank everyone who has contributed to our collective success in diverse ways. May God bless you all and continue to guide the future of Ghana sports,” he concluded.