The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 Tour du Ghana, with organisers hoping the cycling race will earn a place on the international calendar.
The committee, unveiled at the GOC Conference Room on Thursday, will oversee preparations for the event, which runs from 9 to 23 November and will cover 2,401.7km across 11 stages from Tamale to Accra.
Former South Tongu MP Kobla Mensah Woyome will chair the committee, which includes representatives from the GOC, National Sports Authority, Ghana Police Service, National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority and other key stakeholders.
GOC president Richard Akpokavie tasked the committee with promoting the race, attracting sponsors and delivering an event capable of raising Ghana's profile in international cycling.
He also stressed the importance of supporting Ghanaian riders to qualify for the Olympic Games, describing cycling as a key Olympic sport.
Woyome said the race offered an opportunity to showcase more than just competitive cycling.
"Tour du Ghana presents us with an opportunity not only to deliver a professionally organised and competitive cycling event, but also to showcase Ghana's tourism, culture, hospitality and investment potential to participants and audiences from across the world," he said.
- Race to pass through six regions
Ghana Cycling Federation secretary general Mohammed Shaaban confirmed the race will feature 90 cyclists from 15 teams, travelling through the Northern, Savanna, Bono, Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions.
He said new entrants would include the Pru and Police teams, alongside international competitors from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.
Shaaban urged companies that pledged support for last year's edition to honour their commitments, while confirming that Promasidor, producers of Cowbell products, would return as a sponsor.
He added that organisers would implement safety measures in line with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standards.
Media representative on the planning committee Nathaniel Laryea said riders would battle fiercely for the race jerseys, describing them as some of the sport's most prized rewards.
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