Ben Nunoo Mensah calls for strategic plan to revive Ghana Sports

Former Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo Mensah has called for a strategic and coordinated approach to revive Ghana’s fortunes in international sports, insisting that the country must not struggle under the current political administration.

Mensah made the call while interacting with Ghanaian boxer Amadu Mohammed, who won a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The former GOC president believes the government can tap into the experience of sports administrators with links to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to develop a comprehensive plan for the sector.

He cited experienced figures including Ernest Thompson, B.T. Baba, Albert K. Frimpong, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Samson Deen, Kofi Mainoo, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and himself as some of the individuals who could be consulted in developing a roadmap for Ghana Sports.

“Ghana Sports must do well and not struggle in this political dispensation,” Mensah said, stressing the need for consultation and humility in leadership.

He expressed concern that Ghana appears to be stagnating in international sports while other countries continue to invest heavily in athletes, infrastructure and human resource development.

According to Mensah, Ghana is blessed with sporting talent across virtually every discipline, including sports that are not traditionally associated with the country.

He, however, noted that the fluctuating interest and commitment towards sports development remains a major challenge that must be addressed.

Mensah served as President of the GOC for eight years, during which Ghana won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games for the first time in 29 years and secured five medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He stressed the importance of continuous consultation and humility among sports leaders, saying there is always an opportunity to learn from others.

The former GOC boss also commended Ghana’s athletes who competed at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and expressed hope that the country would achieve even greater success in future competitions.

He singled out Amadu Mohammed for praise after the boxer secured Ghana’s lone bronze medal at the Games, describing his achievement as an important contribution to the Black Bombers’ campaign.

As part of his personal commitment to rewarding sporting excellence, Mensah presented Amadu with GH¢5,000 after previously promising to reward the boxer if he reached the medal zone.

The boxer missed out on the higher rewards of GH¢15,000 for gold and GH¢10,000 for silver but returned home with a bronze medal from the competition.

Mensah, who is also known by his traditional title, HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, the Ga Noryaa Mantse, has a long association with sports administration.

Although he is a keen boxing enthusiast, he previously served as President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation and was also a member of the continental board of the sport.

He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the ANOCA Marketing Commission and is also a member of the ANOCA Games Commission.

Mensah believes Ghana’s sporting potential remains enormous but requires effective leadership, sustained investment, strategic planning and greater collaboration among stakeholders to translate the country’s talent into consistent international success.