THE GHANA CYCLING FEDERATION IN FOCUS: ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2022

Feature by Dennis Kweku Moore, Ultimate Sports Ghana.

It is now officially confirmed that Ghana will host the Africa Road Paracycling Championships in Accra from the 8th to 17th February, 2023 at Ablekuma Ollebu.

The Federation over the years has struggled financially to maintain its activities (especially local activities).

I will chronicle just a few successes chalked by the Federation in 2022 before landing on the subject above:

2022:
Last year was an astonishing moment for the Ghana Cycling Federation notwithstanding the premordial financial bottlenecks it found itself.

The hierarchy of the Federation in 2022, led by the able President Mohammed Sahnoon Esq, Shaaban Mohammed, Technical Director and the rest of the Team drew water out of stone to ensure its tabled activities materialized.

1. The organization of the UCI mandatory National Championships organized in three categories, Elite, under 23 and Junior with only affiliated clubs and cyclists was allowed to take part in the event at the Ablekuma Ollebu route which fully sponsored by the federation Executive members.
2. The federation organized five (5) days National Tour of Ghana – Route du Sud (route of the south) at Accra Sports Stadium as the start and finish of the four days and the fifth day was climax by Promasidor, BIC, S Sports, Riyadh Construction, IQRA Ltd, Lite Blue at Ablekuma Ollebu route which more than 20 media cover the events and it was a pick of the pack. This particular calendar activity coughed over Gh95,000 to organize. It covered four regions in Ghana including Greater Accra, Eastern Region, Central Region, and the Volta Region.

The Federation was able to roll in lead sponsors Promasidor, Producers of cowbell products in the final stages of the event. And infact, that was where Promasidor blessed the Federation again with yet another sponsorship package of a come-back Tour Du Ghana in 2023 and 2024.

3. The Federation, in collaboration with giant Insurance company, Prudential organized another blister of a race dubbed “PruRide2022” inside independent square along some route of Accra – Osu encompassing over 70 riders. Organizers of that race, Carbon AV were very happy with the race and have committed themselves in subsequent years.
4. Another historic event was organized by club debutants, Gladiators Cycling club based in Accra led by able Chief of Gladiator, Kojo Graham Esq. This was the first ever in the history of Cycling that a transponder was used in determining the final finish. Infact that race was graced by the able LOC chairman Dr. Ofosu Asare and his elation speaks volume of the stride of Cycling now. Representatives from the Minister of Youth and Sports and Ghana Olympic Committee also graced the occasion. The race dubbed “OSAGYEFO CRITERIA RACE” was to reflect the achievements of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The OSAGYEFO CRITERIA RACE has caught up the attention of the world body – the Union Cycling International-UCI, and subsequently, the Gladiators Cycling club event has been duly recognized by the world body.
   The Ghana Police Services personnel at event was so wonderful on safety of cyclists and all motorists that made the sponsor happy to promote the 2023 OSAGYEFO RACE from one day to three day stages starting from the home town of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nkroful at Ellembelle District in the western region.
5. It was during the mid section of last year, 2022 that, under the instrumentality of the President and Technical Director, the issue of the main achievement sprang up. Ghana was to become a beneficiary of a standardized velodrome, eating up into a Mammoth financial injection of $60m from the Korean investors DerbyWheel Pro Keiren, who had established the great work of the Ghana Cycling Federation.
6. The Confederation of African Cycling -CAC, then would have to come in and throw the options for the Federation in its bid to host the African Road Paracycling Championships in 2023. The Cycling Federation accepted the challenge and this development is now a reality, not a mirage. Over 30 African Cycling powehouses will be storming the Ablekuma enclave in February this year 2023 to establish dominance on the Road. This program forms part of qualification to Paris 2024 Olympics. Infact, over 50 Paracyclists in Ghana would be classified and be eligible to make more slots for the Paris Olympics. This development of classification has saved the Government of Ghana a lot cash since it would have been practically impossible to send these Para Athletes outside the country to get classified.
7. Through the efforts of the Federation in 2022, the UCI has again, through its solidarity channels, has secured 6 Road Bikes and other accessories costing about $40,000, of which the Federation will benefit in the not too distant future.
8. An additional online course was cemented for 15 participants wanting to undertake the Commissaires’course. That course is currently underway. The Federation wouldn’t have been able to foot the bills for this course to be done outside the country.
9. The Federation climaxed its achievements with the participation at the Birmingham Games in the Road/ Paracycling/ Track events. No medal was won but Chris Symonds’ participation in the Time Trials for Ghana caught up the attention of the UK House of Commons as he plies his trade there – raising up high the flag of Ghana on that count. Female participation in the Track Cycling has been hugely celebrated.
10. The Federation for the first time in Cycling history and for first time an Africa country to participated in the Cycle ball championship in Belgium, attracting commendation from the World Body-UCI.
11. The Cycling Federation concluded its highs last year 28th December,2022 with one of the most peaceful Elective Congresses any other Federation could relish, bringing into force a new set of Executives to drive the Federation in 2023 and beyond.
12. Finally, when the Federation heard that it had been shortlisted on the upcoming SWAG Awards, that was nothing strange. In practical and on paper, the Ghana Cycling Federation deserves that.
13. The nomination of Anthony Boakye again as the top wheeler of the year 2022, is tact, and undisputed. A young Cyclist who understudied from the late Samuel Anim, has gracefully levellled up in the game and has dissected the contours of the sport.

Anthony has captained the National Team,the Golden Pedals in all spheres last year, exhibiting leadership by example to his peers.

Anthony, not only got the nod from the Federation through his riding prowess, but also his sense of discipline, focus and respectful stance towards the Federation. Infact the Sunyani based cyclist attracted the eye of French Embassy in nominating him to volunteer in Cycling and learn more ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

2023:
The velodrome project secured last year is in deep contention. And history would be made when that $60m edifice gets erected.

The first ever World Cycling Championships to be staged in Glasgow this August is sumptuous. And Ghana would be represented in seven disciplines.

The hosting of the two African Championships at the same time, the Africa
Road and the Africa Paracycling Road Championships is rife. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority have given their blessing. Come February, history will be made at Ablekuma – Ollebu – Pokuasi route

The new Management Committee of the Federation is heavy and willing. This year will surpass all.

_Dennis Kweku Moore
Public Relations

Email: moorecycling67@gmail.com