On Wednesday, July 21, 1976, in a bold statement against racial inequality and oppression, Ghanaian President Ignatius Kutu Acheampong ordered the country’s withdrawal from the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
The decision was sparked by New Zealand’s participation, despite their rugby team’s ongoing sporting links with apartheid South Africa.
The Ghanaian football team, the Black Stars, was among the contingents affected by the withdrawal. The team, consisting of goalkeepers John Baker and Sam Ampeh.
Defenders Enoch Asumadu, PSK Paha, Kuuku Dadzie, Dan Oppong, Awuley Quaye, and Lomo Mitchell.
Midfielders Mama Acquah, Dan Owusu, Anas Seidu, Isaac Eshun, Abdul Razak, Emmanuel Quarshie, Agyeman Badu
And forwards Ibrahim Kassum and Mohammed Polo, had been preparing for the Olympic tournament but were forced to abandon their dreams due to the government’s decision.
In a separate controversy, Accra Hearts of Oak’s star striker Robert Hammond was dropped from the Black Stars squad due to alleged disciplinary issues.
The decision sparked widespread outrage, but the technical team, led by Team Manager Major Edward Anin, stood firm. The team officials prioritized discipline over individual talent, despite the public backlash.
In addition to the football team, Ghana’s athletics contingent was also impacted by the withdrawal. The team included sprinters Ohene Karikari, Daniel Phillips, George Daniels, George Enchill, Sandy Osei Agyemang, and Makarios Djan.
Other athletes who missed the opportunity to compete in Montreal included Joseph Bandu, Joe Apeagyei, J.R. Adams (long jump), and Joshua Owusu (triple jump). The women’s athletics team consisted of Hannah Afriyie, Grace Bakari (sprints), Janet Yawson (long jump), Elizabeth Bruce (hurdles), and Rose Hart (discus).
Ghana’s boxing squad was also unable to participate in the Olympics due to the withdrawal. The team included light flyweight Eric Boone Quatsey, flyweight Anthony Abacheng, light welterweight Mohammed Dauda, welterweight Musa Gariba, light middleweight Moro Tahiru, middleweight Amon Kotey, and light heavyweight Mama Mohammed.
The 1976 Olympics were notable for being the first Games to feature women’s basketball and rowing events. Additionally, Nadia Comăneci, a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast, made history by becoming the first person to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition.
Ghana’s withdrawal was part of a broader African-led boycott of the 1976 Olympics, with 22 other African countries also withdrawing in protest of New Zealand’s involvement.The move was a powerful statement against the International Olympic Committee’s perceived complacency on apartheid and racial discrimination in sports.
The boycott was a significant moment in the fight against apartheid and racial discrimination, and Ghana’s decision to withdraw was a testament to the country’s commitment to standing in solidarity with the oppressed people of South Africa.
Story by: Michael Seh
