The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie, has laid down an ambitious marker for Team Ghana ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, declaring that the country must aim for gold.
With the Games scheduled to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, 2026, and expected to feature over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, Akpokavie believes Ghana is well-positioned to make a strong impact – provided preparations are executed properly.
“We Must Aim for Gold”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with GH Sports News, the GOC President made it clear that Ghana’s ambitions go beyond participation.
“One of the targets we are setting for the athletics team is that we must repeat history in Glasgow.”
Drawing confidence from recent performances, he pointed to Ghana’s impressive showing at the Tokyo Olympics, where the men’s 4x100m relay team narrowly missed out on a medal with a fourth-place finish.
“We believe that after their performance in Tokyo, we have a good chance of winning gold if we do things properly.”
Inspired by History
Ghana’s renewed belief is also anchored in its proud Commonwealth legacy. At the 1966 Commonwealth Games, Mike Ahey etched his name in history by winning gold in the 400 metres – one of the nation’s earliest triumphs on that stage.
“Sixty years ago, Ghana achieved something remarkable, and we want to replicate that spirit,” Akpokavie noted.
Focus on Athletics and Boxing
With five Commonwealth gold medals to Ghana’s name, the GOC is now focused on restoring a winning culture, particularly in traditional strongholds.
“We are resetting things to ensure we at least secure a gold medal in athletics and a gold medal in boxing.”
Both disciplines remain central to Ghana’s medal hopes, with structured training programmes and early preparation forming the backbone of the strategy.
Vision for a “Ghana Village”
Off the field, the GOC is exploring initiatives to improve athlete welfare and team cohesion during the Games.
“We’re trying to get a Ghana Village in Glasgow. We’re working towards it. Let’s wait and see what comes up in the coming days.”
If realised, the “Ghana Village” concept would provide a dedicated hub for athletes and officials, strengthening unity and support systems throughout the competition.
A Shift in Mindset
Akpokavie’s message signals a clear shift in approach – one built on early planning, targeted investment, and a belief in Ghana’s ability to compete at the highest level.
With preparations already underway and confidence steadily growing, Team Ghana heads to Glasgow 2026 with renewed purpose – and a bold objective: return to the top of the podium.
