The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has officially launched the 2026 edition of the Tour Du Ghana as organisers step up efforts to secure a place for the race on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar.
GOC President Richard Akpokavie launched the tour at the committee’s headquarters in Ridge, Accra, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to oversee preparations for the event.
The planned international status of the tour is expected to strengthen Ghana’s position in cycling while creating opportunities to promote tourism, culture and investment.
Mr Akpokavie said the GOC’s support for the event was driven by its commitment to developing cycling as an Olympic sport and creating opportunities for young people to take up the discipline.
“We are supporting this because we believe that its success would help develop cycling in Ghana and also encourage many more young people to get involved,” he said.
He added that the tour was consistent with the values of Olympism and could give greater visibility to the Olympic movement in Ghana.
As part of the launch, former South Tongu MP and former Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Sports and Culture, Kobena Mensah Woyome, was appointed Chairman of the Central Planning Committee.
The committee brings together representatives from the Ghana Cycling Federation, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, Police MTTD, Immigration Service, Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority and local destination committees.
Media responsibilities have been assigned to Nathaniel Laryea, with separate portfolios also covering finance and medical coordination.
Woyome, in accepting the appointment, said the success of the tour would require cooperation and attention to detail from all stakeholders.
“I accept this responsibility with a clear understanding that the success of this important international cycling event will depend on our collective commitment, teamwork and attention to detail,” he said.
According to Ghana Cycling Federation General Secretary and event organiser Shaaban Mohammed, the 2026 tour will feature 11 stages covering 2,401.7 kilometres, comprising 1,406.4 kilometres of racing and 995.3 kilometres of transfers.
The route will pass through the Northern, Savannah, Bono East, Bono, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta and Greater Accra regions.
Participation has also been increased from 12 teams in 2025 to 15 teams, with about 90 cyclists expected to compete. Organisers said entries have been confirmed from teams in Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom.
UCI safety managers from Switzerland have reviewed the proposed arrangements and given preliminary approval, although organisers are still working on logistics for the long-distance transfer to Tamale.
The tour is also being positioned as a potential qualification pathway towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games should it secure UCI calendar status.
Organisers are meanwhile seeking further support from corporate Ghana, with Akpokavie and Woyome urging businesses to partner the event.
Woyome said sponsors would benefit from exposure across the regions covered by the tour and its international audience.
“If you knock at our door, we will receive you so that you share your resources with us,” he said.
The 2026 Tour Du Ghana is expected to serve as a major test of Ghana’s capacity to stage an internationally recognised cycling event and strengthen the country’s ambition of earning a place on the UCI calendar.
