Former President of Ghana Athletics and the Ghana Olympic Committee, Professor Francis Dodoo, has been appointed Chairman of Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Anti-Doping Board, following the passage of the Anti-Doping Act, 2024.

The Board was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Accra, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to protect the integrity of sport and align fully with global anti-doping standards.

Prof Dodoo brings extensive local and international experience to the role. He currently serves as Chairman of the World Athletics Governance Commission, where he leads efforts to promote ethical compliance, strengthen governance structures and uphold integrity within the sport.

In 2023, World Athletics also appointed him to head an advisory group that assessed the participation of the Russian and Belarusian athletics federations in international competitions—two associations that have faced significant anti-doping sanctions in recent years. 

He is also a Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, described the establishment of the Board as a defining moment in Ghana’s sporting history.

“Today marks a defining moment in Ghana’s sporting history. We are completing a national journey from intention to institution, from advocacy to law, and from law to action,” he said.

Adams thanked members of the Board for accepting what he described as a demanding national responsibility, stressing that public service requires sacrifice and courage.

“Public service is never convenient. It demands time, sacrifice, patience, and courage. By accepting these appointments, you have chosen duty over comfort and principle over ease,” he noted.

According to the Minister, the creation of the Board, alongside the National Anti-Doping Agency, demonstrates the government’s resolve to safeguard athletes and protect Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.

“This government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, did not pursue these reforms for symbolism. We pursued them because they were necessary,” the Buem MP stated.

Adams warned that doping remains one of the biggest threats to sport worldwide and charged the Board to act as custodians of credibility, athlete welfare and fair competition.

“Doping remains one of the greatest threats to credibility, to health, and to the values that make competition meaningful,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of international compliance, the Sports Minister stressed that Ghana’s primary responsibility lies with protecting athletes at all levels—from grassroots to elite sport.

“They must know that their health matters. That their future matters. That success must never come at the cost of their well-being,” he emphasised.

He cautioned that passing laws and setting up institutions alone would not guarantee success, urging the Board to prepare for difficult decisions and external pressure.

“There will be pressure. There will be famous names. There will be attempts to influence, to delay, and to dilute. Your loyalty must be to the law, to the athlete, and to the integrity of Ghanaian sport,” Adams said.

The Minister also underscored the importance of education and prevention, noting that the Board’s mandate must go beyond testing and enforcement to include awareness creation across schools, clubs, coaches, parents and administrators.

“Ghana’s ambition must be higher. We must not only meet global standards. We must show that African countries can lead with credibility, structure, and independence,” he added.

Prof Dodoo chairs the 13-member Board, which includes Killian Kwame Abrampah (Secretary), Yennah Ngminlasongna Michael, Dr George Tsey Sabblah, Hazel Juddy Mensah, Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe, Gaetan Charles Adangabey, Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah (Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation), ACP Asiedu Eric Asamoah, Apollonius Osei-Akoto Asare, Stephen Appiah, Dr Christian Hagin, and Wosiela Eve Bobie.

The Board is expected to provide leadership and oversight for Ghana’s anti-doping framework, as the country works to promote clean sport and safeguard the welfare of its athletes.