President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah believes working in an open and free environment is best as his key policy of transparency has made him one of the most admired sports administrators in Africa.
He noted that when everyone in an organization knows what is going on, they all contribute positively to bring success, pointing that he has refurbished the GOC secretariat and created offices for national sports federations, media relations and international events.
Speaking on Happy 98.9 FM, Anopa Bosua Sports, a popular radio programme in Accra, he suggested that all sports men and women who compete and excel in recognized international competitions should be rewarded with winning bonus like the Black Stars.
He said he will judge sports ministers by how well they are going to promote and develop other disciplines apart from football.
He named hon. E. T. Mensah and Hon. Yaw Osarfo Marfo as his best sports ministers ever, but feels sports should be devoid from politics.
He said sports unites the country, so it must be given must attention, also sports creates employment, entertainment and makes the people fit and healthy.
Ben Nunoo Mensah praised members of the black cranes, the national weightlifting team of Ghana for exceling recently in Uganda and qualifying for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
He commended the coach of the Cranes, prof. Kyle Plerce who has guided the team to many accomplishments like winning the 2016 SWAG Chairman of the Year, Team of the Year and nomination for Coach of the Year
Nunoo Mensah, who is also president of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, hinted that very soon they are going to dominate the continent.
He said many young athletes have shown interest in sports and they should be encouraged with scholarships and bursaries.
He praised Hon. Isaac Asiamah, the current sports minister for starting well, by reducing the bonus of the Black Stars and rewarding other athletes who win gold or silver at African, Commonwealth and World Championships.
Story by Sammy Heywood Okine