The Vida Cycling Programme in Peki, Ghana, is empowering young girls through sport, education, and mentorship, with recent events highlighting a growing need for investment to expand opportunities for aspiring female cyclists. The appeal for support was made during the 2026 Vida Cycling Programme and the Mercy Gbenya Abra Dei-Tutu Memorial Girls Indoor Cycling Team Challenge, held in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region.
A Vision Born from Personal Experience
Vida Juliet Vivie, Founder and Director of the Vida Cycling Programme, established the initiative to provide girls with opportunities she herself lacked. Vivie shared her lifelong passion for cycling and how it shaped her journey, inspiring her commitment to nurturing the next generation of female athletes.
“I dreamt of becoming an engineer when I was young, but that dream did not materialise. I also aspired to become a professional cyclist, but I could not achieve that either. Instead of giving up, I decided to establish a cycling programme for girls so they could have opportunities that I never had,” Vivie recounted.
Vivie’s own transformative experience with cycling includes a remarkable 1990 journey from Jasikan to Accra at the age of 21, a trip she completed in three days. This experience cemented her belief in the power of cycling.
“Bicycles have helped me a lot. They give me energy and confidence. Every time I pedal, I feel like I am taking another step forward in life. That is what inspired me to establish this programme,” she explained.
From Grass-Track to Indoor Innovation
The Vida Cycling Programme initially began in the Eastern Region before expanding to Peki. While the program started with grass-track cycling, Vivie noted that a significant lack of bicycles among talented girls led to the introduction of the Indoor Bike Challenge.
This indoor competition, launched in June of the previous year, has seen steady growth and recently celebrated its eighth edition. Despite facing limited resources, the programme has already identified promising talents who have gone on to represent the area in cycling competitions in Accra.
One such rider, Tsumasi Vanessa, achieved a fifth-place finish in a recent road race, showcasing the potential being cultivated within the programme.
Holistic Development Beyond the Track
The Vida Cycling Programme extends its impact beyond athletic training, focusing on education and personal development. Vivie emphasized that the initiative supports the academic pursuits of participating girls, offers mentorship, and uses sport as a catalyst for shaping responsible and confident young women.
“Girls often need encouragement and guidance to push beyond their limitations. Through this programme, we are supporting them, keeping them in school and helping them become somebody through sport,” she stated.
The Challenge of Inadequate Resources
A primary obstacle for the programme is the severe lack of adequate equipment. The indoor cycling centre currently operates with over 20 active cyclists sharing only five bicycles, significantly hindering training efficiency and limiting participation.
Vivie made a direct appeal to corporate organizations, philanthropists, and development partners for essential resources, including bicycles, indoor training equipment, and modern cycling technology.
“We need more bicycles and home trainers. We want Peki to become the capital of indoor cycling in Ghana. With the right equipment and technology, our athletes can compete internationally while training from here. We need investors and partners to help us achieve this vision,” she appealed.
While outdoor cycling remains a component of the programme, financial constraints and safety concerns have led to a greater emphasis on indoor competitions. Vivie also highlighted the general lack of sponsorship for cycling in Ghana as a major impediment to the sport’s growth.
Sponsorship and Support for Youth Development
The recent event was made possible through the sponsorship of Edward Kwesi Dei-Tutu, who organized the competition in memory of his late mother, Mercy Gbenya Abra Dei-Tutu. This follows his previous sponsorship of an outdoor cycling race after his father’s death in 2021.
“When my mother passed away, I approached Sister Vida about organising a similar event. She suggested an indoor competition, and I agreed. I am very happy that we have been able to make it happen,” Mr. Dei-Tutu explained.
The retired U.S. Army veteran invested between $3,000 and $4,000 in the event, emphasizing his dual motivation: honoring his mother’s memory and fostering meaningful opportunities for the young girls.
Mr. Dei-Tutu pledged his continued support, assuring participants that the memorial competition would be held annually.
Governmental Recognition and Future Collaboration
Lawyer Simon Appiah Junior, Deputy Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, commended the organizers for their grassroots youth development efforts through cycling. He described the initiative as a prime example of community-driven talent nurturing.
“It is very encouraging to see members of a community coming together to engage young people in a meaningful sporting activity like cycling. Sports such as cycling are often regarded as lesser-known disciplines in Ghana, and one of the goals of the Ghana Sports Fund is to bring these sports into the spotlight,” Lawyer Appiah Junior stated.
He assured the organizers of the Fund’s willingness to collaborate and provide support to expand the competition and create more avenues for young athletes. The Fund aims to see the initiative grow beyond Peki and be replicated across the Volta Region and nationwide.
A Message of Empowerment
The event culminated with spirited competitions. Tsumasi Vanessa, the winning captain, delivered an inspiring message to her peers, urging them to pursue their ambitions fearlessly and step outside their comfort zones.
“What men can do, women can do even better. Girls should believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and never be afraid to step forward,” she declared.
As the event concluded, the overarching message was clear: with adequate support, determination, and investment, cycling can serve as a powerful tool for empowering girls, cultivating talent, and fostering positive change within communities.
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