By: Michael Okuley
Ghana Olympic Committee President, Ben Nunoo-Mensah is stepping down at the end of his tenure. The former Vice President of the Ghana Cricket Association was elected for the second time in 2021 to lead the Olympic family. With the elections of the new executives scheduled for April 28, 2025, the two term GOC boss has declined the calls to seek re-election citing decision “to serve humanity in a different and equally fulfilling way”.
In a statement sighted by Gbcghanaonline.com, Mr Nunoo-Mensah thanked the various Presidents, ministers of sports, Federations, and all stakeholders he worked with during his 2 term mandate.
Below is the statement
“Over the past few weeks, numerous stakeholders have inquired about my intentions regarding the upcoming Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) elections in April, with some even speculating on whether I will seek re-election as President.
I wish to confirm that while it would have been an honour to continue serving my nation and the sports community in this capacity, there is a greater call to serve humanity in a different and equally fulfilling way. I accordingly want to move on and will not contest in the upcoming GOC elections.
I understand this decision may disappoint the many individuals and federations who have encouraged me to continue for another and final four-year term. I sincerely appreciate their support and confidence in my leadership. However, I trust they will also understand that, there comes a time when one must move on, and for me, that time is now.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the various Presidents, Ministers, and Director Generals of the National Sports Authority with whom I have worked over the years. I am especially grateful to the Federation Presidents, my colleagues on the GOC Board, sponsors, the media, and all my friends whose unwavering support, prayers, and goodwill have made a significant difference throughout my journey—from my early days at AURORAS, through my involvement in Cricket and Weightlifting, to my tenure at the GOC.
Together, we have accomplished remarkable milestones, including securing an additional six acres of land at Amasaman to complement the existing ten acres, obtaining the title deed, and transforming the site into a Community Sports Centre that now hosts two home-based football academies. Additionally, we succeeded in naming the GOC headquarters building, “Olympic House,” refurbishing and furnishing the office, increasing awareness and visibility for lesser-funded sports, providing consistent financial support to the various National Federations and athletes, and creating unprecedented capacity-building and travel opportunities for a lot of sports administrators and media professionals to cover and be part of International games.
For the first time in 30 years, Ghana was on the medal podium at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. We are grateful to God for his blessings.
I believe this is the right time to step aside so that others can continue our progress. While it would be impossible to mention everyone by name, I ask for God’s blessings upon those who have contributed to our collective success in various ways.
Thank you all for your untiring support, and may God bless you and our sporting fraternity.”
BEN NUNOO MENSAH
President, Ghana Olympic Committee.
The Ghana Olympic Committee is expected to be led by a new leadership when the elections are held. So far, former Secretary General of GOC, Richard Akpokavie Esq is the only one who has made official declaration to contest for the presidency with other members yet to come – holding their decisions to their chest as part of their campaign strategies.
