Okyehene asks Govt to support golf

It is imperative for the Government of Ghana to support golf in the country, paramount chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II has urged.

“Golf is an expensive sport; equipment and other materials for the sport need some financial support, therefore, making it difficult for the young ones to get themselves involved,” he said.

“I am calling on the government of Ghana to support the youth in developing the interest in golf, since it is one of the disciplined games,” the traditional leader told Accra 100.5 FM in an interview on the sidelines of the second edition of his invitational golf tournament at the Akyem Tafo golf course.

The tournament was part of his 16th anniversary celebration as monarch of the traditional area.

Eighty Golfers around the country took part in the anniversary tournament together with eminent personalities including knighted businessman Dr Sam Jonah, who was the Guest Speaker.

Dr Jonah made a plea to the government to help promote the least-financed sport disciplines up to the level of prominence that football enjoys, so as to encourage the youth to venture into such disciplines, a situation, which he noted could create employment opportunities for the whole country.

Also present at the occasion were the Ambassador of Korea to Ghana, Mr Leo; President of the Ghana Golf Association, Mr Mike Aggrey; President of UT Holdings, Prince Kofi Amoabeng; among a host of others.

All the Golfers teed off in the green course, which has nine pin holes.

Jeff Koffi of Achimota Golf Academy was adjudged the overall winner in the men's category, while M.I Oppong from Tema Golf Club was the overall best female player in the women's category.

Awards were also presented to eleven other Golfers, who performed well in the tournament.

Okyehene promised the people of Akyem Tafo that he will do everything within his power to influence cocoa producing, processing and marketing company, Cocobod, to fix the town’s roads through the Cocobod Road Initiative.

On his part, Mr Aggrey implored corporate organisations and the government to help develop the interest of Ghanaians in gold.