Former South Tongu Member of Parliament Kobla Mensah Wisdom Woyome has called for increased investment in cycling, describing the sport as an important tool for promoting healthy living, empowering women and girls, and nurturing young talent.
Speaking as the special guest at the fourth edition of the Duku Homowo Festival Cycling Championship in Osu on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Mr Woyome said cycling has the potential to contribute significantly to individual and community development.
The event, held under the theme “Women Empowerment, Health is Wealth,” brought together cyclists and stakeholders as part of activities marking the Osu Homowo Festival.
Mr Woyome, who also chairs the Ghana Olympic Committee’s Government Relations and Stakeholders Sub-committee, commended the Ghana Cycling Federation and organisers of the Osu Homowo Festival for sustaining the competition for four consecutive years.
“I am particularly delighted that this cycling event has now reached its 4th edition. Sustaining an event for four editions demonstrates commitment and growing community interest,” he said.
He said the inclusion of cycling in the Homowo celebrations was significant because it promotes healthy lifestyles while bringing communities together and providing opportunities to identify emerging talents.
“Good health is fundamental to the development of every individual and every community. Cycling provides an excellent opportunity for exercise, recreation and healthy living,” he stated.
Mr Woyome also encouraged more women and girls to participate in cycling, arguing that sport can provide avenues for empowerment, achievement and professional development.
He urged young cyclists to view the sport beyond recreation and transportation, noting that recreational participation could eventually lead to professional opportunities.
“Do not see the bicycle only as a means of transport or recreation. See it also as an opportunity. That leisure cyclist can gradually develop into a competitive cyclist and eventually a professional athlete representing Ghana on the international stage,” he said.
According to him, competitions such as the Duku Homowo Festival Cycling Championship are important platforms for identifying promising talents and creating pathways for young athletes to progress into professional cycling.
Mr Woyome further appealed to corporate Ghana to increase its support for cycling and other sporting disciplines.
He congratulated Dot Ateliers, the main sponsor of the event, and urged more companies to recognise sports sponsorship as both a social investment and a business opportunity.
“Sponsoring cycling and other sporting events is not only about giving back to society; it is also good business. When you invest in sports, you invest in young people, women, healthy communities and national development,” he added.
