The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, has emphasized the need for greater investment in the country’s athletes if Ghana hopes to compete successfully on the global stage.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Mr. Nunoo Mensah highlighted that Ghanaian athletes possess raw talent comparable to that of world-class Jamaican athletes, who have consistently dominated in major international competitions, including the Olympics.
Ghanaian athletes are as talented as Jamaican athletes, he said. But the difference is that they [Jamaica] make a conscious effort to invest in their athletes, and if we do that, in the next four or eight years, we should be able to win a medal.
The GOC President expressed concern over the country’s current approach to preparing athletes for international events, stating that a lack of long-term planning and inadequate investment are hindering Ghana’s chances of winning medals.
Some countries spend four years preparing for competitions, he noted. You can’t spend four months and expect to win ahead of them.
Mr. Nunoo Mensah’s statement comes ahead of preparations for the Ghana Olympic Committee’s upcoming elections, a period that could determine the direction of the nation’s sports development over the next few years.
He urged for a national commitment to consistent, strategic preparation that includes financial backing, modern facilities, and support systems necessary for elite performance.
If we are serious about winning medals and competing with the best in the world, we must change our attitude towards preparation,he stressed.