Mrs. Joyce Mahama Elected President of AWISA

…Calls For Unity Among African Women In Sports

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) was last Sunday elected President of the continental body, African Women In Sports Association (AWISA) at the MPlaza Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

Madam Hadijah Namanda from Uganda got the nod for Vice President position with

Stephanie from Seychelles was elected as Secretary.

Lisa from Namibia got the Assistant Secretary position with Grace Asiam from Ghana as the Treasurer.

Madam Anna from Angola who lost the presidency was elected Regional Chairperson for Region 5. Ms. Hannah Bennie from Ghana won as Regional Chairperson for Region 2 which is for West Africa. Five chairpersons were elected for the five regions under the association as demarcated by the African Union (AU) with some retaining their positions.

Other elected executives were Anna Ferreira from Angola, Stephanie Duval from Seychelles, Sheila Dasha Mauritius and Elizabeth Ngulungu from Namibia to represent the various regions, including Corol Garose former Vice President from Namibia to offer her rich experience in women sports management and administration.

According to Madam Mahama their numbers will increase as other countries get involved, however six nations had voting rights and four voted for her, while two voted for her opponent in the presidential race.

The GOC president, HRH Nii Kojo Ashifi Papanyinra 1aka Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah who graced the event tasked AWISA to keep to their mandated and work hard to achieve their objectives.

He touched on gender equity, equity and called for inclusion of girls and boys in participation and competition.

Madam Mahama hinted that their dream is to united bring together African women in sports and encourage more women.to participate in sports at the high level and win medals for the continent.

According to Mrs Mahama her vision as president of the association was to unite African women in sports and ensure a fight against violence in respect of women in sports.

She noted that the association was mandated to handle gender equality, discrimination against women, adding that, “We have to make sure women in sports were comfortable and have funds to enable the association work for the common good of all.”

She said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seeks to promote women participation in sports, whether competitive or recreational.

Furthermore, Mrs Mahama promised to promote Ampe, a popular traditional sport to become a recognised sporting discipline within the African sub-region before the end of her four-year tenure.

She appealed to corporate bodies to support the association to achieve its intentions and goals.

By Sammy Heywood Okine