Ghana to establish National anti doping agency

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) is set to meet newly appointed sports minister, Hon.NIi Lantey Vanderpure over the establishment of a National Anti- Doping agency (NADO).

National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) are Government-funded organizations responsible for testing national athletes in- and out-of-competition, as well as athletes from other countries competing within that nation’s borders, adjudicating anti-doping rules violations and anti-doping education.

GOC have had preliminary discussions with previous sports ministers over the establishment of a NADO but the frequent change of sports ministers has drag the process. Having appointed a new sports minister, the GOC boss Prof. Francis Dodoo is expected to lead a delegation to the sports minister over the establishment of a NADO.

‘Dr. Deborah Cubagee, who is the 1st vice president of the Ghana Olympic committee, has been leading the charge on starting what is called NADO. ‘

‘Again we have a new sports minister now so I think those conversations will hopefully advance. Over the last three or four years, she’s been ready.

“She has had a doping system in place and tested some of the athletes but when we do have a NADO situated [in Ghana], we will have better support.’ he told Takoradi based Empire FM ‘

Her dream is to establish a Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO).

She’s been trying to do that but the ministry of sports hasn’t sort of step up to the plate’ Doping is one of the biggest challenges facing Athletics with Kenya been the biggest culprit in Africa.