Richard Akpokavie has been elected as the new president of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) during the GOC Elective Congress held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra.
Akpokavie secured a commanding 44 votes, defeating his contender, Michael Aggrey, who garnered 19 votes.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Akpokavie, who previously lost the presidential bid in 2021 by a narrow margin of seven votes to the then-incumbent, Ben Nunoo Mensah.
Akpokavie’s persistence and leadership experience within the GOC, where he served as General Secretary from 2017 to 2021, have now culminated in his ascension to the presidency.
A former athlete, Akpokavie brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having captained Ghana’s national hockey team during his sporting career.
His deep connection to Ghanaian sports and administrative expertise is expected to drive the GOC’s mission to promote and develop Olympic sports across the country.
The 2025 GOC Elective Congress, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, saw participation from delegates representing various national sports federations.
The congress also elected other key positions, including Vice President, Treasurer, and Executive Board members, to support the GOC’s strategic objectives ahead of upcoming international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Akpokavie has pledged to foster unity, enhance athlete development programs, and strengthen Ghana’s presence on the global Olympic stage. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as Ghana aims to build on its recent achievements, including medal successes at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.