GOC offers Olympic scholarship to female athletes

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has rolled out a targeted athlete development programme in Europe to support two promising athletes as part of preparations towards the 2028 Olympic Games.

Under the Olympic Scholarship Programme, judo star Elizabeth Serwaa Oduro has received advanced training in France, while taekwondo ace Henritta Naa Ayele Armah will train in Germany to further her development.

The Olympic Scholarship covers the athlete’s travel to the training centre and provides a return ticket at the end of the programme. It also funds one round-trip travel per year for the athlete to return home during holidays, as well as a $5,000 travel subsidy for competition-related travel.

President of the GOC, Richard Akpokavie, said the decision forms part of a deliberate long-term strategy aimed at enhancing Ghana’s medal prospects at the quadrennial games.

He stressed that the selections were not handouts but were earned through consistent high-level performances and recommendations from coaches.

“Our number one priority is the athletes—how to support them and how we can get them to do what they have to do. We will do everything possible to get them to the top. There is only one thing we ask in return: when we invest in you, you must work,” he said.

President of the Ghana Judo Association, Kenneth Arthur, thanked the GOC for selecting the athlete in the initial group, describing it as a show of confidence in the sport.

He described both athletes as highly disciplined competitors who are determined to fight for qualification to the next Olympic Games and deliver medals for Ghana.

The Olympic Scholarships awarded to the athletes are expected to run until 2028, in line with Ghana’s preparations for the Olympic Games.

Present at the short meeting were 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.