'Business of Sport in Africa' magazine launched

Accra, Oct. 22, GNA - The maiden edition of a 'Business of Sport in Africa' magazine was launched last Thursday at a colourful ceremony at the British Council Hall, Accra. The 52-page magazine is under the management of RICS Consult Limited, a leading integrated marketing communication consultancy firm in collaboration with Ethel-Jane Sports Business School (EJSBS) and is meant for people seeking new professional paths and careers in sports business and event management.

Nana Sam Brew-Butler, former Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in an address described the birth of the magazine as timely considering the fact that sports has metamorphosed from being only as a leisure, but to a larger extent as a business entity. He eulogized the editor, Magnus Rex Danquah, Executive Chairman of Rics Consult Limited, for his visionary work of coming out with the magazine which seeks to bridge the gap between sports business in Ghana and the African continent as a whole.

Nana Brew-Butler said it is worth mentioning that the editorial contents addresses issues of sports and economics on the Black Stars, sports and entertainment, merchandising and licensing amongst others, which have crippled the business aspect of sports in Ghana and to a larger extent Africa.

"This magazine offers much food for thought in infusing the business tenets into our sports. I therefore recommend this book as a handbook for all lovers of sports," he added. Ato Ampiah, Chief Executive Officer of Tema Oil Refinery also commended RICS Consult Limited for coming out with a publication which will largely aid in changing the phase of business in sports on the continent.

Editor of the magazine, Rex Danquah recounted that his outfit which was established in 1986 as Rex-Image Associates, has come a long way backed by the pioneering role in the promotion and establishment of the evolving frontiers for recognizing sports, authentic Ghanaian and African music and culture as emerging industries on the continent. He outlined that the vision of the magazine is to remain quarterly for the first year, bimonthly for the second year and a monthly thereafter.

Rex Danquah also emphasized on the need for an economic impact assessment on the role of sports in the Ghanaian economy and for it to serve as some form of hope to the numerous unemployed youth. The official launch was performed by Nana Kobina Ntetsia V, Omanhen of Essikado Traditional Area and Nana Brew-Butler, Ato Ampiah and assisted by Dr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of 'Citizen Kofi', amidst cultural rendition and the popping of champagnes. Dr Amoah, Nana Brew-Butler and Ato Ampiah bought the first copies of the beautifully designed magazine at 2000 Ghana Cedis, 2,100 Ghana Cedis and 2,101 Ghana Cedis respectively. 22 Oct. 10