Accra: The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has introduced a specific athlete development programme in Europe aimed at supporting two female athletes as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. Under this Olympic Scholarship Programme, judo athlete Elizabeth Serwaa Oduro is set to receive training in France, while taekwondo athlete Henritta Naa Ayele Armah will undergo training in Germany to advance their skills.
According to Ghana Web, the Olympic Scholarship covers the athletes' travel expenses to the training centres and provides a return ticket at the conclusion of the programme. It also includes funding for one round-trip travel per year for the athletes to return home during holidays, along with a $5,000 travel subsidy for competition-related travel.
Richard Akpokavie, President of the GOC, stated that this initiative is part of a long-term strategy to boost Ghana's chances of winning medals at the Olympic Games. He emphasized that the selections were based on consistent high-level performances and recommendations from coaches, rather than being mere handouts.
"Our number one priority is the athletes-how to support them and ensure they can perform at their best. We will do everything possible to help them reach the top. We only ask one thing in return: when we invest in you, you must work," Akpokavie said.
Kenneth Arthur, President of the Ghana Judo Association, expressed gratitude to the GOC for selecting the athlete in the initial group, noting it as a sign of confidence in the sport. He described both athletes as disciplined competitors committed to qualifying for the next Olympic Games and winning medals for Ghana.
The Olympic Scholarships awarded to the athletes are set to continue until 2028, in alignment with Ghana's Olympic preparations. The announcement was made in the presence of several sports officials, including Madam Rafatu Inusah, President of Ghana Rugby; Evans Yeboah, President of Ghana Badminton; Charles Osei Asibey, President of Ghana Armwrestling; Frederick Lartey Otu, President of Ghana Taekwondo; and George Owusu Ansah, President of Ghana Sports for All.