Sports Minister Inaugurates 13-Member Anti-Doping Board

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, inaugurated a 13-member Governing Board of the Ghana Anti-Doping Agency (GADA) at the Ministry in Accra, marking a major step in Ghana’s commitment to clean and fair sport.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister congratulated members of the Board, chaired by Professor Francis Dodoo, and underscored the weight of responsibility placed on them. “Public service is never convenient. It demands time, sacrifice, patience and courage, and when it comes to safeguarding integrity in sport, the responsibility is even heavier. By accepting these appointments, you have chosen duty over comfort and principle over ease, and Ghana is grateful to you.” Mr. Adams described the inauguration as a defining moment in Ghana’s sporting history, following the passage of the Anti-Doping Act and the establishment of the National Anti-Doping Agency.

“Today marks our journey from intention to institution, from advocacy to law, and from law to action. Doping remains one of the greatest threats to credibility, athlete health and the values that make competition meaningful, and you are now the custodians of a system that must protect athletes and assure the world that Ghana competes with honour.”

He stressed that the government’s reforms were not symbolic but necessary to protect athletes and Ghana’s reputation. “Your loyalty must be to the law, the athlete and the integrity of Ghanaian sport. Not to convenience, popularity or personal relationships. This Board must educate, prevent, protect and, when necessary, enforce. Ghana must not only meet global standards but show that African countries can lead with credibility, structure and independence.”

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Board, Professor Francis Dodoo, thanked the Minister for what he described as a far-reaching and inspiring address and pledged the Board’s full commitment to its mandate.

“We are deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in us. This is a responsibility we must treat with utmost respect. For me personally, this appointment is a continuation of work I have long been committed to, having served as an athlete representative on international anti-doping bodies during a period when doping deeply undermined fairness in sport.”

Professor Dodoo noted that weak anti-doping systems not only deny clean athletes their rightful success but also damage the reputation of entire nations. “When systems are weak, countries lose credibility, and even clean athletes are viewed with suspicion. Our task is therefore not just enforcement but building a strong, credible system that protects athletes, educates at the grassroots, and safeguards Ghana’s image. On behalf of my colleagues, I assure you that we accept this mandate and will work collectively to move Ghanaian sport forward.”

Members of the Governing Board of the Ghana Anti-Doping Agency (GADA):

1. Prof. Francis Dodoo, Ph.D. – Chairperson

2. Killian Kwame Abrampah – Secretary to the Board

3. Yennah Ngminlasongna Michael

4. Dr. George Tsey Sabblah

5. Hazel Juddy Mensah

6. Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe

7. Gaetan Charles Adangabey

8. Mrs. Wilheliman Asamoah – Chief Director, Ministry of Sports & Recreation

9. ACP Asiedu Eric Asamoah

10. Apollonius Osei-Akoto Asare

11. Stephen Appiah

12. Dr. Christian Hagin

13. Wosiela Eve Bobie

By: Victoria Kwofie