‘We let the athletes down’ – NSA boss on Ghana’s Commonwealth Games campaign
Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has acknowledged that Ghana’s sports authorities must accept responsibility for the country’s disappointing performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
His comments follow concerns about the country’s preparations and the support provided to athletes during the Games in Glasgow.
Ghana secured just two medals at the competition — a silver in the women’s shot put and a bronze in boxing.
Black Bombers coach Ofori Asare had criticised the logistical arrangements, saying some Ghanaian boxers were compelled to share equipment needed for competition.
Speaking to Luv FM, Ampofo Ankrah admitted that the authorities had failed the athletes, particularly the boxing team.
He said feedback from athletes and coaches had highlighted several aspects of the campaign that could have been managed more effectively.
According to him, sports officials must honestly assess whether athletes were given the necessary conditions and opportunities to succeed before attributing poor results solely to performance or bad luck.
The NSA Director General also called for a change in the way decisions are made, urging officials to engage athletes and coaches more closely instead of imposing decisions on them.
He noted that several concerns could have been addressed earlier if there had been more effective communication during the team’s preparations and camping.
Ampofo Ankrah said some important discussions that should have taken place before the team travelled were delayed until the athletes arrived in Glasgow.
He stressed that the Commonwealth Games experience should be treated as a learning opportunity for Ghana’s sporting authorities rather than an excuse to blame the athletes.
He said the lessons from Glasgow must be used to prevent similar shortcomings at future international competitions, particularly because Ghana fielded one of its youngest teams at the Games.
The NSA boss also urged authorities to begin preparations early for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, as well as upcoming junior and senior international competitions, including the junior games in Senegal.
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