Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of Ghana’s Olympic Committee (GOC), has underscored the critical necessity of enhanced resources to adequately prepare athletes for international competitions, including the Olympics.
Mensah emphasized that while there is a strong desire to qualify for tournaments and clinch medals, Ghana has not allocated the requisite resources to achieve these aspirations.
He pointed out that compared to other nations, Ghana has failed to demonstrate the same level of commitment and investment in preparing its athletes for success on the global stage.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Total Sports Review, Mensah lamented the current state of sports in Ghana, advocating for collaborative efforts to address the resource gap and improve outcomes.
He expressed disappointment over Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, particularly noting that despite financial support from the GOC, both male and female teams fell short of qualification.
Mensah stressed that the fundamental issue plaguing Ghanaian sports is the lack of investment. He emphasized that without adequate investment, the desired results will remain elusive.
He criticized the inadequate budget allocated for sports in Ghana, highlighting the substantial investment other countries make in sports as a crucial tool for national branding and attracting tourism.
Mensah highlighted the pivotal role of sports in promoting Ghana globally, citing examples of renowned athletes like Azumah Nelson, DK Poison, and Takyi, who have brought honor to the nation.
He cautioned against neglecting other sports in favor of high-profile teams like the Black Stars, emphasizing the importance of equitable support across all sporting disciplines.
Mensah warned that without a strategic shift in prioritizing sports development and resource allocation, Ghana’s sporting industry will continue to deteriorate, undermining the nation’s potential for success on the international stage.
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