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Accra, Ghana – January 7, 2026 — The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Olympic Committee’s Athlete365 Career+ and Athlete Career Programme (ACP) following a national athlete career preparation workshop held on January 5, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The workshop, titled “The End Is Really the Beginning ooo!”, was delivered in collaboration with the Ghana Olympians Association (GOA) and the GOC Athletes’ Commission. It brought together over 50 athletes and former athletes representing 23 national federations, spanning Olympic and non-Olympic sports. Senior sports administrators were also in attendance, reflecting growing institutional alignment around athlete welfare and post-competition development.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, who emphasized the GOC’s strategic commitment to IOC-aligned athlete development and long-term welfare:

“This workshop signals a new era of cooperation between the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Ghana Olympians Association, and the GOC Athletes’ Commission. Together, we are strengthening an athlete-centred system that supports excellence on the field while deliberately preparing athletes for meaningful and sustainable lives beyond competition.”

The initiative aligns directly with IOC Athlete365 Career+ principles, which emphasize early preparation, dual careers, employability, financial literacy, mentoring, and holistic athlete well-being.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Andrew Owusu, OLY, President of the Ghana Olympians Association, highlighted the importance of embedding transition planning throughout the athlete lifecycle:
“The journey of an athlete does not end when competition ends. In many ways, that is when a new chapter begins; one that requires early preparation, support, and strong networks to successfully navigate.”

The Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Fred Awaah, addressed participants and noted that the Government of Ghana is increasingly concerned about the post-sporting lives of athletes. He indicated that government-led initiatives to support athlete transition are currently being developed and will be announced in due course, complementing Olympic Movement efforts.

The workshop featured fully interactive, athlete-centred sessions facilitated by Olympians and industry professionals, including Prof. Francis Dodoo, OLY; Christopher Essilfie; Prof. Andrew Owusu, OLY; and Prof. Christian Nsiah, OLY.

Key themes reflected IOC Athlete365 Career+ priorities, including recognising and leveraging opportunity, financial management, mentoring and networking, transferable skills from sport, and consolidating long-term career plans.

Participants engaged in discussion-driven activities and practical planning sessions, leaving with clearer direction, stronger professional networks, and individualized commitments toward education, skills development, and financial planning.