Ghana’s newly elected Olympic Committee leadership has embarked on a spiritual journey, seeking divine guidance for their four-year mandate at two significant religious engagements over the weekend.
It comes a week after the committee’s elections, which were held on 26 April 2025.
The 18-member executive team, led by President Richard Akpokavie, visited the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, on Friday before attending a thanksgiving service at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Tema on Sunday.
At the Islamic engagement, Mr Akpokavie formally introduced his team to the 106-year-old spiritual leader, emphasising their desire for blessings and prayers as they begin their tenure.
“We seek spiritual support, advice and divine guidance throughout our term,” said Akpokavie, who reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to elevating sports in Ghana.
Sheikh Dr Sharubutu warmly received the delegation and offered prayers for the team, invoking God’s blessings, guidance and protection for their term in office.
The Christian engagement followed on Sunday, where the team attended a thanksgiving service to express gratitude for their successful election.
In his sermon, Rev Father David Arko Amissah charged the new executives to ensure comprehensive sports development in the country during their four-year term.
“Football should not be your only focus. Instead, more attention should be given to other sporting activities,” advised Father Arko.
The parish priest also encouraged the committee to promote women’s participation in sports leadership and to “work together as a team for the growth of sports in Ghana”.
He further counselled that they must “leave behind a legacy rather than seeking personal interests” and should “think about other people’s well-being and the development of sports”.
The committee, through its treasurer Mr Yeboah, made a donation to the church as an expression of gratitude.
Speaking to media after the engagements, Mr Akpokavie expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for their confidence and trust, reiterating his team’s commitment to working diligently to advance Ghana’s sporting agenda.
These spiritual engagements mark a significant step in the GOC’s broader strategy of connecting with key national stakeholders, reinforcing the role of sports as a vital tool for youth empowerment, job creation and national health.
The GOC executives who participated in these spiritual engagements include Mr Richard Akpokavie (President), Mr Mawuko Afadzinu (1st Vice President), Mr Ernest Danso (3rd Vice President), Mr Kassim Mohammed Muniru (Secretary General), Mr Evans Yeboah (Treasurer), and board members Mr George Owusu Ansah (Nana Adu Mankata II), Mr George Lamptey, Mr Kamal Sulley, Mr Bawah Fuseini, Nii Lamptey Bannerman, Mr Nathaniel Johnson, and Mr George Tettey. Other federation representatives who attended include Mr Mohammed Shaaban (Secretary General, Ghana Cycling Federation), Mr Charles Osei Asibey (President, Ghana Armwrestling Federation), Madam Christiana Ashley (Vice President, Ghana Chess Association), Christopher Esilfie and Philipinna Frimpong.
