Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been appointed a member of Ghana’s newly inaugurated National Anti-Doping Board.

Appiah, who is currently the Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, brings extensive on-field and administrative experience to the Board.

Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential football figures, he captained the national team at its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006 and led the Black Stars to a historic quarter-final finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Beyond his playing career, Appiah has remained closely involved in football administration, contributing to player welfare, team management and policy discussions within the national team setup.

His appointment is expected to strengthen athlete representation and practical insight within Ghana’s anti-doping framework.

The National Anti-Doping Board was officially sworn in at a ceremony in Accra and will be chaired by former President of Ghana Athletics and the Ghana Olympic Committee, Professor Francis Dodoo.

Prof Dodoo currently serves as Chairman of the World Athletics Governance Commission, overseeing ethical compliance and governance standards globally.

In 2023, he was appointed by World Athletics to lead an advisory group assessing the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletics federations in international competitions. He is also a Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme.

Speaking at the 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,” the Minister said.

Adams noted that doping remains one of the greatest threats to the credibility and integrity of sport, urging Board members to act independently and in the best interest of athletes at all levels.

The Board is also expected to prioritise education and prevention, particularly at the grassroots, alongside testing and enforcement.

Other members of the 13-member Board include Killian Kwame Abrampah (Secretary), Yennah Ngminlasongna Michael, Dr George Tsey Sabblah, Hazel Juddy Mensah, Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe, Gaetan Charles Adangabey, Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah, ACP Asiedu Eric Asamoah, Apollonius Osei-Akoto Asare, Dr Christian Hagin, and Wosiela Eve Bobie.

The Board will provide leadership and oversight for Ghana’s anti-doping framework as the country works to safeguard athlete welfare and uphold the integrity of sport.