Ben Nunoo-Mensah, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has officially declared that he will not seek re-election as his current term draws to a close.
This announcement marks the end of an eight-year tenure that began in 2017, during which Nunoo-Mensah led the GOC through significant milestones in Ghanaian sports.
The upcoming GOC Elective Congress, scheduled for April 28, 2025, will see new leadership take the helm of the organization responsible for overseeing Ghana’s participation in the Olympic Movement.
Nunoo-Mensah, a prominent figure in Ghanaian sports administration, shared his decision in a statement released on March 26, 2025, citing a desire to pursue other avenues of service to humanity.
“While it would have been an honour to continue serving my nation and sports community in this capacity, there is a greater call to serve humanity in a different and equally fulfilling way,” he said. “I accordingly want to move on and will not contest in the upcoming GOC elections.”
His announcement comes despite calls from various stakeholders, including federations and individuals within the sports community, encouraging him to pursue a third term.
A Legacy of Achievements
Nunoo-Mensah’s tenure as GOC President has been marked by notable achievements. Elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, he has overseen Ghana’s participation in two Olympic Games—Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) and Paris 2024. One of the standout moments of his leadership was Ghana’s bronze medal win in boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, secured by Samuel Takyi.
This victory ended a 30-year Olympic medal drought for the nation, a feat widely celebrated as a testament to Nunoo-Mensah’s commitment to reviving Ghana’s Olympic success.
Beyond the Olympics, Nunoo-Mensah spearheaded several infrastructural and developmental projects. The rehabilitation of the Olympic House in Accra and the initiation of the Amasaman OlympAfrica project stand out as key contributions to improving sports facilities in Ghana.
His administration also provided financial and logistical support to national federations, fostering growth in various sporting disciplines. Additionally, his leadership saw Ghana host preparatory efforts for the 2023 African Games, further solidifying the country’s standing in continental sports.
A Shift in Focus
Nunoo-Mensah, who also carries the traditional title of Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I (Ga Nɔyaa Mantsɛ, or Development Chief) conferred in 2024, emphasized that his decision to step aside was not a retreat from public service but a redirection of his efforts.
“It is the right time to step aside,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the sports federations, government officials, and stakeholders he collaborated with over the years.
He highlighted his pride in the collective achievements of his tenure and signaled his intent to continue contributing to Ghanaian society.
