They had been banned since January after the IOC claimed its Government had intervened in the running of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

The IOC had complained in particular that Government officials in the West African country were appointing the Presidents of national sports federations.

The decision to lift the ban was expected following the passage of the Sports Bill by Ghana's Parliament, the main condition that had to be fulfilled before the IOC would lift the ban.

"It means a lot to us because we were out of the Olympic fraternity and we are back in the fold, so that means we will be able to take part in all international events, eg; Olympic Games and other international meets," said Kojo Bonsu, the chairman of Ghana's National Sports Authority (NSA).

The IOC had decided to take action following what happened in June 2009 when former triple jumper Francis Dodoo was elected as the GOC's new President, a result disputed by Benson Tongo Baba, who had held the post for 12 years.

Baba complained to the IOC claiming there been interference from some "external forces" which contravened the ideals of the Olympic Charter and the constitution of the GOC.

The new Bill means Ghana fulfils the requirements of the Olympic Charter.

"The IOC have agreed, with immediate effect, the suspension of the NOC (National Olympic Committee) of Ghana, which was imposed in January to protect the interest of sport within the country after it was deemed the Government had intervened in the running of the NOC," said the IOC.

"The Ghanaian Parliament recently adopted new sports legislation is compatible with the Olympic Charter.

"The next step for the NOC will be to convene its elective General Assembly as soon as possible."

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