channel247online
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) invested nearly $800,000 in financial support to federations and athletes for the development of sports in Ghana over the past four years, per its official documents available to JoySports.
Since 2021, $799,913 has been invested to bolster preparations for major competitions, enhance training programmes, and support athlete development at all levels.
In 2021, the GOC disbursed over $54,000 in grants to support federations. Athletics received the highest share, with $14,000 allocated to the federation through the ANOC Special Grant and additional financial aid.
Boxing followed closely with $12,760, while swimming and volleyball each received over $5,000. Federations such as badminton, judo, and karate-do also benefited from these grants.
Additionally, Olympic Solidarity (OS) Scholarships provided direct financial support to individual athletes. Notable beneficiaries included Carlos Maedar (Alpine Skiing) with $12,000 and Frimpong Akwasi (Skeleton) with $30,000. Ghanaian track and field stars like Joseph Amoah and Janet Amponsah each received $5,000 to aid their preparations.
About 15 athletes were beneficiaries, totaling $104,500. In 2021 alone, GOC disbursed $159,170 to athletes and federations.
The following year, there was an increase in the disbursement to federations as the GOC allocated $131,360, while the grants for continental athlete support and youth athlete development dropped significantly.
Athletics and boxing received $8,000 and $6,000, respectively, while swimming topped the list with $17,250, driven by an $8,250 grant for youth development.
Table tennis, judo, and tennis also saw significant investments, with $12,250, $11,830, and $16,000 respectively.
Individual OS Scholarship beneficiaries included Carlos Maedar, who received an additional $17,000, and Christian Amoah (Weightlifting) with $5,000. Only $27,884 was used to support individual athletes.
In 2023, financial support targeted team sports, technical coaching, and individual athlete scholarships. Boxing emerged as the top beneficiary among federations with $13,000, while football received $31,300 in team grants. Volleyball ($18,342) and fencing ($10,000) also saw major investments, totaling $139,937.
Individual athletes continued to receive substantial support through OS Scholarships.
About $96,000 was used to support athletes and the beneficiaries included Deborah Acquah (Athletics), Benjamin Azamati (Athletics), and Kaya Forson (Swimming), each receiving $9,000.
The GOC’s targeted scholarships aided athletes in their preparations for international competitions.
Last year had the highest amount invested in athletes and federations.
About $173,962 was handed to federations as grants for Africa Games preparations and technical coaching.
Disciplines like athletics, badminton, and swimming each received $14,640, while table tennis secured $17,000. The rowing and canoeing federation benefited from a combined $22,000 grant to support development and competition.
Scholarships support for individual athletes amounted to $72,000, with recipients such as Joseph Commey (Boxing) and Winifred Ntumi (Weightlifting) receiving $6,000 each.
The GOC’s consistent financial backing has helped Ghanaian athletes and federations prepare for global competitions, ensuring that Ghana remains competitive on the international stage. From athletics to weightlifting, the support has enabled athletes to access better facilities, enhance training, and compete with confidence.
source: myjoyonline.com
