Professor Andrew Owusu elected to represent Africa on WOA

Professor Andrew Owusu OLY has been unanimously elected by delegates representing 33 African National Olympians Associations (NOAs) as African Representative to the leadership of the World Olympians Association (WOA).

The election took place on Sunday, January 18, during the WOA General Assembly with 110 NOAs participating, and is being widely viewed as a defining moment for Africa’s unity and democratic engagement in international Olympian representation.

The unanimous mandate reflects a rare and decisive show of continental cohesion, and confidence in Prof. Owusu’s ability to represent the collective of African Olympians at the international level of Olympian representation and decision-making.

African delegates characterized the process as a critical test of the continent’s ability to navigate a complex electoral landscape while remaining focused on strengthening Africa’s voice within the WOA through elections rather than appointments.

Prof Owusu OLY is a three-time Olympian in athletics who has built an extensive post-sport career spanning public health, sports governance, and athlete development.

A former elite triple jumper, he is a national record holder and multiple-time continental champion, bringing deep athlete-level experience to his leadership role.

He currently serves as president of the Ghana Olympians Association (GOA) and has been a key figure in fostering coordination, dialogue, and collaboration among African NOAs.

Alongside Prof Owusu’s election, Olumide Oyedeji OLY of Nigeria was elected Secretary General of the World Olympians Association, while Rosa Rakotozafy OLY was elected Female African Representative, completing Africa’s slate of elected leaders to the WOA.

In his post-election message to fellow NOA Presidents, Prof Owusu emphasised that the outcome represented more than an individual result.

He described the election as a collective achievement that demonstrated Africa’s ability to remain united while respecting democratic independence and diverse perspectives.

He expressed sincere appreciation to outgoing continental representatives for their stewardship during some of the most challenging periods in WOA’s history.

Prof Owusu underscored that his mandate, alongside his fellow African representative and the newly elected Secretary General, is grounded in service and accountability.

He reaffirmed a commitment to represent the collective will of African NOAs and to work collaboratively with WOA leadership to advance the interests of Olympians worldwide.

“The campaign is now behind us, and the real work begins,” Prof. Owusu said, emphasising that Africa’s shared aspirations within WOA can only be realized through continued cooperation, unity, and collective action.

The election comes at a time when the World Olympians Association is strengthening its collaboration with the International Olympic Committee to enhance long-term support, representation, and post-career opportunities for Olympians worldwide, underscoring the importance of inclusive and effective leadership within WOA.

Prof Owusu’s election is widely regarded as a milestone for African Olympians, reflecting growing continental cohesion and influence.

His term begins immediately, with a focus on turning shared aspirations into action and strengthening representation and support for African Olympians on the world stage.