In a move to uphold integrity and fairness in sports in Ghana, The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, today officially inaugurated its first National Anti-Doping Board, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sporting journey. The ceremony, led by Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Chief Director of the Ministry, saw the swearing-in of distinguished officials who will oversee the country’s anti-doping efforts under the newly enacted Anti-Doping Act, 2024. Delivering an inspiring address, Hon. Adams commended the new board members for their dedication and emphasized the importance of their role in safeguarding Ghana’s sporting reputation. “Public service demands sacrifice and courage,” he stated. “Today, you accept responsibility not for fame or fortune but for the integrity of our athletes and the credibility of Ghanaian sport.”
The event signifies a transition from legislative framework to active implementation, with Ghana now fully committed to aligning with international anti-doping standards. President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has prioritized sports integrity by passing the Anti-Doping Act and establishing a dedicated National Anti-Doping Agency (GADA). The swearing-in of the board is the latest step, designed to provide strategic direction, credibility, and sustainability to Ghana’s anti-doping initiatives.
“Decades of pride and dignity have been carried by our athletes,” Adams highlighted. “But as sport becomes more globalized, the challenges grow. Doping threatens health, credibility, and core values of competition. It is our duty to protect our athletes and preserve Ghana’s reputation.”
The new board members include Prof. Francis Dodoo as Chairperson, along with other esteemed experts and officials from various sectors, all tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of anti-doping policies. Adams urged them to prioritize education alongside enforcement, emphasizing that “testing alone is not enough building understanding and fostering a culture of clean sport are essential for lasting change.”
He also stressed the importance of independence for GADA, calling on members to act with courage, fairness, and long-term vision. “Your loyalty must be to the law, the athlete, and the integrity of Ghanaian sport,” he warned. “Build institutions that outlive personalities and resist undue influence.”
Ghana aims to become a regional leader in anti-doping efforts, demonstrating that African countries can uphold global standards with credibility and independence. The government pledged continued support but emphasized that true success depends on the board’s resolve to act ethically and transparently.
As Ghana embarks on this new chapter, the message from officials and stakeholders is clear: the nation is committed to ensuring that its athletes compete fairly, its reputation remains untarnished, and the values of sport are upheld for generations to come.
Key Members of the GADA Governing Board:
– Prof. Francis Dodoo, Ph.D. – Chairperson
– Killian Kwame Abrampah – Secretary to the Board
– Dr. George Tsey Sabblah
– Hazel Juddy Mensah
– Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe
– Others, including representatives from the Ministry of Sports and law enforcement agencies
This landmark event sets Ghana on a path toward becoming a model of clean and credible sport in Africa, reinforcing its commitment to integrity, health, and fair play in the world of athletics.
