Anti-Doping Board being inaugurated
Professor Francis Dodoo, former President of Ghana Athletics and the Ghana Olympic Committee, has been appointed Chairman of Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Anti-Doping Board following the passage of the Anti-Doping Act, 2024.
The 13-member Board was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Accra, marking a major step in Ghana’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of sport and align with international anti-doping standards.
Prof. Dodoo brings extensive experience to the role. He currently serves as Chairman of the World Athletics Governance Commission, where he leads initiatives to strengthen governance, promote ethical compliance and uphold integrity in the sport.
In 2023, he also headed a World Athletics advisory group that reviewed the participation of the Russian and Belarusian athletics federations in global competitions amid anti-doping sanctions. He additionally serves as a Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams described the establishment of the Board as a defining moment in Ghana’s sporting history.
He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting athletes and preserving the country’s reputation on the global stage.
Adams warned that doping remains one of the greatest threats to sport and urged the Board to prioritise athlete welfare, fairness and credibility, while remaining firm against external pressure. He also stressed the importance of education and prevention alongside enforcement.
The Board is expected to provide leadership and oversight for Ghana’s anti-doping framework as the country works to promote clean sport and protect athletes at all levels.
BY Wletsu Ransford