Since taking office, President John Mahama has made several high-profile appointments to set his administration on the right path.
Among these appointees are three renowned sports personalities, celebrated for their achievements and expertise in their respective fields.
This article takes an insightful look at the appointees.
Dr. Randy Abbey
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Dr. Randy Abbey, Chairman of the newly formed Black Stars Management Committee, was appointed by President Mahama as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Dr. Abbey, a former host of Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, owns Ghana Premier League club Heart of Lions and previously served as a spokesperson for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for over five years.
He is an alumnus of Accra Academy and holds a certificate in Human Resource Management and Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
He also earned an advanced certificate in Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, now the University of Media Arts and Communications.
In addition, Dr. Abbey is a member of the GFA’s Executive Council.
Kofi Adams
Kofi Adams, the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, was also appointed by President Mahama on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He is set to assume the role of Minister of Sports and Recreation.
Adams hails from Teteman in the Jasikan District and is a former teacher at Adisadel College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and previously served as a spokesperson for former President Jerry John Rawlings.
A passionate boxing enthusiast, Adams has consistently championed grassroots sports. Just hours before his appointment, he emphasized the need for investment in grassroots sports during an interview with GHOne TV, stating:
“I love boxing. Let’s return to grassroots sports and implement it effectively.”
Professor Francis Dodoo
Professor Francis Dodoo was the first sports personality appointed to the Mahama administration, assuming the role of head of the National Anti-Corruption Programme.
A distinguished academic and athlete, Professor Dodoo holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics, as well as a Ph.D. in Demography from the University of Pennsylvania.
At the 1981 African Games in Nairobi, Kenya, he made history by breaking Ghana’s national triple jump record with an impressive leap of 17.12 meters.
This feat earned him a gold medal and an 11-year reign as the record holder. Professor Dodoo was Ghana’s sole gold medalist among six medal-winning athletes at the event.
In 1987, he was named Ghana’s Sportsman of the Year in recognition of his remarkable athletic achievements. His leadership roles include serving as President of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).
In 2006, Professor Dodoo was honored with the Grand Medal of the Republic of Ghana for his outstanding contributions to the nation. His appointment signifies a commitment to integrity and excellence within the Mahama administration.
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