Funding delay threatens Ghana’s Commonwealth Games preparations

...Ghana to Send 40 Athletes to the Games 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

With just over two months to the Commonwealth Games, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie, has made a passionate appeal to the government to release approved funds needed for Ghana’s preparations ahead of the multi-sport event.

Speaking during the GOC’s Annual General Meeting over the weekend, Akpokavie revealed that despite Parliament approving a budget of GH₵12 million last year for the country’s Commonwealth Games campaign, the committee is yet to receive any portion of the funds.

According to him, the delay is already affecting the nation’s preparations for two major international competitions — the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics.

“This year, we are expected to prepare athletes for both the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, yet we are still awaiting funding,” Akpokavie said.

While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting the country, the GOC president urged the government to prioritise sports development by releasing the approved funds.

“We understand the broader economic challenges facing all sectors. However, we respectfully appeal for the release of the limited funds approved for sports,” he added.

Akpokavie also disclosed that Ghana will parade 40 athletes at the Commonwealth Games, a significantly smaller contingent compared to the 100 athletes that represented the nation at the last edition in Birmingham.

Team Ghana is expected to compete in athletics, boxing, judo, para-athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, and weightlifting as preparations intensify for the Games.