The Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea has expressed concern about the lack of African sports in the Olympic Games.
The leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party indicated that while various disciplines continue to be added to the Olympic program, none of them originate from Africa, raising questions about the continent’s representation and participation in the global sporting arena.
Mr. Akomea emphasized the need for Africa to develop and promote its indigenous sports, citing examples like ‘Ampe’ and ‘Oware’ from Ghana.
Mr. Akomea further suggested that introducing these sports at the school level and developing a competitive criterion, would gradually move them to the national and international stages and that would be a plus for the continent.
“We should take [ at least] two local sports, which are indigenous to Ghana, let’s start developing competitive criteria in our schools for it, and let it catch on, and then when it catches on, you develop criteria that we meet, and then [ such sport can compete in] or move it to the national level and so on.”
Nana Akomea, Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC)
Mr Akomea further highlighted the success of arm wrestling in Ghana, which won numerous medals in the African games.
However, he pointed out that arm wrestling is not an Olympic sport, despite its popularity in Ghana and other African countries.
Ghana’s Reliance on Foreign Sport Disciplines
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa underscored the need for a Pan-Africanist effort to develop and promote African sports, rather than relying on foreign disciplines.
“We need to acknowledge what the continent went through in terms of our history, from slavery to colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialist domination, it has affected every facet of our lives. We need to embrace that, particularly in an era of globalization.”
Honorable Samule Koudzeto Ablakwa, MP North Tongu Constituency
Again, Hon. Ablakwa called on sports researchers, academics, and enthusiasts to identify and develop endangered African sports, market them, and give them global appeal.
By doing so, he noted that Africa can reclaim its place in the global sporting arena and promote its rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, Honorable Ablakwa highlighted the remarkable dominance of black athletes in the ongoing Paris Olympics, particularly in record-breaking performances.
He expressed his surprise at the achievements of Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and other black athletes who have consistently excelled in their respective sports.
“The likes of Simone Biles, who has been consistent since 2013, with over 32 championships and gold medals, is a testament to the excellence of black athletes, and then you have Usain Bolt, who has records that may never be broken. It’s incredible to think about.”
Honorable Samule Koudzeto Ablakwa, MP North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa further emphasized on the achievements of other black athletes, such as Tebogo from Botswana, Noah Lyles, Meso Joke, Jacobs, and LeBron James in basketball.
He stated, “You see a certain domination of black people in these sports, It’s a remarkable phenomenon.”
However, Ablakwa posed a critical question;
“Why is it that when African countries go to the Olympics, and even in other sports like the World Cup, these same black people, our fellow kitten king men, don’t do well? But when they represent America, Canada, France, Spain, they excel.”
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP, North Tongu Constituency
Honourable Ablakwa argued on the paradox of black excellence in sports, where black athletes thrive when representing Western countries but struggle when competing under African flags. “
His comments highlighted the need for African countries to prioritize sports development and provide their athletes with the necessary support to excel on the global stage.
Honourable Ablakwa called for the need to invest in Africans athletes, to provide them with the resources they need to succeed and to create a conducive environment for them to thrive.
The NDC Legislator posed an important question that reflects on sports development in Africa and the factors contributing to the disparity in performance between black athletes representing African countries and those representing Western nations.
By addressing these challenges, the Honorable stressed that that Ghana as well as Africa can unlock the full potential of its athletes and achieve greater success in international competitions.
READ ALSO: MTN Ghana Marks 15 Years of Mobile Money Service: A Journey of Financial Inclusion
