The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President, Richard Akpokavie, today officially launched the Tour Du Ghana 2026 at the GOC headquarters in Ridge, Accra.
Simultaneously, the event saw the inauguration of the Central Planning Committee to steer the country’s most ambitious international cycling event to date.
The launch, which took place this afternoon, marks a major milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of a place on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, with the ultimate goal of elevating the Tour Du Ghana to the status of global events like the Tour de France and Tour d’Italia.
In his address, Mr Akpokavie underscored the GOC’s unwavering commitment to developing cycling as an Olympic sport, emphasising that the Tour Du Ghana 2026 is not merely a competition but a strategic instrument to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, and investment potential.
“We are supporting this because we believe that its success would help develop cycling in Ghana and also encourage many more young people to get involved,” Mr Akpokavie stated. He noted that the event aligns with Olympism’s values and would bring significant mileage to the Olympic movement in Ghana.
The President also commended the Ghana Cycling Federation for its proactive efforts, revealing that major sponsors including Promasidor have already come on board, and that Presidential Life Insurance has committed to forming a professional cycling team to participate in the tour.
Central Planning Committee
Following the launch, Mr Akpokavie officially inaugurated the Central Planning Committee, appointing Kobena Mensah Woyome, former Member of Parliament and former Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports and Culture, as its Chairman.
The committee comprises a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Ghana Cycling Federation, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, Ghana Police Service (MTTD), Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, National Road Safety, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and representatives from local destination committees. The media portfolio is held by Nathaniel Laryea, with finance and medical roles also included.
Chairman’s pledge
Accepting the role, Mr Woyome expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and called for unity of purpose.
“I accept this responsibility with a clear understanding that the success of this important international cycling event will depend on our collective commitment, teamwork and attention to detail,” he said.
He urged all members to approach their duties with urgency and national pride, adding that the Tour Du Ghana 2026 must deliver a professionally organised competition while showcasing Ghana’s hospitality to the world.
Event highlights
Shaaban Mohammed, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation and main organiser, provided key details of the 2026 edition.
The tour will span 11 stages, covering 2,401.7 kilometres overall—1,406.4 kilometres of competitive racing and 995.3 kilometres of transport stages—traversing the Northern, Savannah, Bono East, Bono Ahafo, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra regions.
Participation has been expanded to 15 teams (up from 12 in 2025) with 90 cyclists expected, including confirmed entries from Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Mr Mohammed also confirmed that UCI safety managers from Switzerland have reviewed the plans and given preliminary approval, with only transport logistics for the long-haul transfer to Tamale remaining under discussion.
The 2026 Tour Du Ghana is also positioned as a qualifying pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, provided the event secures UCI calendar status.
Call for support
Both Mr Akpokavie and Mr Woyome extended an open invitation to corporate Ghana to partner with the event, emphasising the unparalleled brand visibility across ten regions and an international audience.
“If you knock at our door, we will receive you so that you share your resources with us,” Woyome said, assuring sponsors of maximum returns on their investment.
The launch was attended by representatives from security agencies, sports bodies, and media partners, signalling a united front in Ghana’s determination to make the Tour Du Ghana 2026 a resounding success.