HRH Nii Kojo Ashifi Papanyira I, also known as Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), attended the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) held in Portugal. The meeting brought together leaders from over 200 National Olympic Committees to discuss key issues, including preparations for the Paris Olympic Games, promoting global peace, and strengthening support for athletes worldwide.

In his address, IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the Olympic Movement’s role in fostering peace and unity amid current geopolitical tensions. ANOC President Robin Mitchell expressed gratitude for the support of local partners like Visit Cascais, Visit Portugal, and RTP, whose collaboration was instrumental to the event.

The GOC President had the opportunity to exchange ideas with other NOC presidents, including Sheikh Joan Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar. The meeting also celebrated outstanding achievements from the Paris 2024 Olympics, recognizing top athletes and teams across various categories.

Key ANOC Award Winners from Paris 2024:

Best Male Athlete: Letsile Tebogo

Best Female Athlete: Julien Alfred

Best Male Team: Denmark Handball (Award collected by Hans Lindberg)

Best Female Team: Italy Volleyball (Award collected by Carlota Cambi)

Best Male Team in Individual Sports: Japan Artistic Gymnastics (Award collected by Kaya Kazuma)

Best Female Team in Individual Sports: Team GB Track Cycling (Award collected by Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell, and Emma Finucane)

Best Mixed Team: Austria’s Lukas Mähr and Lara Vadlau

Male Outstanding Career: Ma Long

Female Outstanding Career: Lisa Carrington


The next ANOC General Assembly will take place in Hong Kong, China, in 2026.