The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, joined hundreds of cyclists, dignitaries, and corporate stakeholders at Black Star Square for the 6th edition of the PruRide cycling event.
Organised by the Ghana Cycling Federation in partnership with Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, this year’s international competition attracted riders from Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco.
The Minister flagged off the event in a symbolic ride on an electronic bike alongside executives of AV Carbon and other dignitaries, underscoring the government’s commitment to sports tourism and environmental sustainability.
In his keynote address, Mr Adams highlighted the booming global cycling industry, currently valued at over $64 billion and projected to hit $135 billion by 2030.
Citing the Tour de France’s global viewership of over 3.5 billion, he urged strategic investments to position Ghana’s cycling events on the continental and global stage.
“With the right partnerships, PruRide and other domestic competitions can grow into platforms that attract talent and tourism to our shores,” he said.
The 2025 edition also marked a milestone for gender equity, with equal prize money awarded to male and female champions.
In the women’s 75km road race, Nigeria’s Mary Samuel clinched first place, followed by compatriot Patience Effiong Otuodung, with Ghana’s Erica Sedzro finishing third.
In the men’s 100km road race, Solomon Tagoe of Gutten CC emerged victorious with an average speed of 34.68 km/h, ahead of Frank Akuffo Awuku (TBT) and Prince Maison (Club Sky Team).
Mr. Adams further reiterated the government’s strategic agenda for equity, participation, and sustainability in sports.
He revealed that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a National Sports Fund to support disciplines from grassroots to elite levels, with corporate partnerships as a central pillar.
Commending Prudential Life Insurance Ghana and AV Carbon for their sponsorship, he stressed that ESG-aligned sports like cycling offer sustainable pathways for branding, health promotion, and youth empowerment.
“Cycling is not just a sport it is a green, inclusive, and globally recognised tool for economic transformation, climate awareness, and international exposure. We want to develop it to a level where cyclists from across the world will come to Ghana annually, just as they do for the Tour de France,” he concluded.
For the first time in its history, the PruRide event saw the active participation of a sitting Minister.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Federation, Shaaban Mohammed, described Hon. Adams’ presence as a strong signal of the Ministry’s renewed focus on alternative sports and tourism integration.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Christian Kobby Quarshie
