The GOC, who are led by Francis Dodoo, have provided financial assistance to help athletes qualify for Rio 2016 ©Kweku Zurek

Ghana fencing and women’s beach volleyball teams have been boosted by Ghana Olympic Committee’s (GOC) financial assistance programme as they look to secure their places at Rio 2016. 

Their beach volleyball team received a funding boost ahead of the African continental qualifier, which is due to draw to begin on Thursday (April 15) in Abuja in Nigeria.

Twelve teams are looking to claim the one berth on offer for the continental champions, with the teams having been drawn into four groups of three teams for the first stage of the event.

Ghana’s fencing team have also been funded to travel to Algeria for a competition in Algeria.

Mohammed Mahadi, President of the Ghana Fencing Association, revealed that the GOC paid for their five strong team to compete in the event.

The national taekwondo, table tennis, badminton, cycling and boxing teams have all been sponsored by the GOC to participate in qualifying events so far this year.

Ghana were represented by nine athletes at London 2012
Ghana were represented by nine athletes at London 2012 ©Getty Images

It comes after a pledge from GOC secretary general Richard Akpokavie, who claimed they are committed to helping as many athletes from the country to qualify for the Games.

The National Olympic Committee are hopeful of being represented by more athletes, than the nine who competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Sprinters Flings Owusu-Agyapong, Sean Safo-Antwi and middle distance runner Alex Amankwah are the only three qualifiers from the country.

Ghana have won four Olympic medals in their history, achieving one silver medal and two bronze in boxing.

Their last medal was a bronze in football at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.