The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has appointed Ms. Rafatu Inusah, President of Ghana Rugby, as Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Ghana at the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games. The event is scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 4, in Malta and Gozo. This appointment recognizes her growing influence in Ghanaian sports, particularly through her leadership and involvement in rugby development, grassroots sports, athlete development, and sports administration.
Ms. Inusah's appointment is a result of her active role in creating opportunities for young athletes, promoting rugby at the grassroots level, and contributing to the broader development and administration of sports in Ghana. As a GOC board member, she serves on the GOC Games and Technical Committee and the GOC Women's Commission, working to establish robust support pipelines and gender equity initiatives for national athletes.
Ms. Inusah is the President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), making history as the first woman to lead the federation. She is also a former Secretary General of the Ghana Triathlon Federation and remains an active member of the Women's Advisory Committee for Rugby Africa. Her experience and leadership in various sports organizations have prepared her for her role as Chef de Mission.
The Commonwealth Youth Games provide an important platform for young athletes to gain international exposure and experience in a multi-sport environment. The 2027 Games, which is the eighth edition, is expected to bring together about 1,200 young athletes aged 14 to 18 from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Ghana is expected to participate in the event, and Ms. Inusah will play a crucial role in leading and coordinating Team Ghana.
In addition to her appointment as Chef de Mission, Ms. Inusah has been selected by the GOC to participate in the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP) in the United States of America. The programme, organized by the University of Delaware in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), will expose her to international best practices and contemporary approaches to sports development.
The GOC President, Mr. Richard Akpokavie, stated that the choice of Rafatu Inusah as Chef de Mission is strategic, focusing on women empowerment and actively placing capable female leaders at the highest echelons of national sports governance to drive lasting transformation. This appointment reflects the GOC's commitment to promoting women's leadership in sports and providing opportunities for female athletes and administrators.
As Chef de Mission, Ms. Inusah will work with athletes, officials, and other stakeholders as Ghana prepares for the Commonwealth Youth Games. Her experience, leadership, and expertise in sports administration and development will be invaluable in ensuring the success of Team Ghana at the event. With her appointment, Ms. Inusah will continue to make a positive impact on Ghanaian sports and contribute to the growth and development of sports in the country.
Key points
- The Ghana Olympic Committee appoints Rafatu Inusah as Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Youth Games.
- Rafatu Inusah is the President of Ghana Rugby and a GOC board member.
- The Commonwealth Youth Games will take place from October 29 to November 4, in Malta and Gozo.
