Soccer Hall of Fame To Be Established

THE exploits of Ghana’s soccer pyrotechnics and achievements are to be immortalised by the country’s sports governing body with the establishment of a Hall of Fame soon.

When instituted eventually, the Hall of Fame would bear portraits of Ghana’s soccer greats spanning the C. K. Gyamfi generation, through the glorious era of Baba Yara, to the latter-day heroes like Abedi Pele.


Ghana Football Association (GFA) management board member Mr Sylvester Mensah, dropped the hint at the end of the FA’s Stakeholders Strategic Planning Workshop in Accra last week.


The FA chose one of the biggest gathering of retired national stars comprising C. K. Gyamfi, Wilberforce Mfum, Malik Jabir, Rev Osei Kofi, John Naawu, Addo Odametey, Douglas Tagoe, Abedi Pele, Frempong Manso, Frank Amankwaa, among others, to announce the celebration of Ghana’s heroes.


Expectedly, the ‘oldies’ greeted the news with a big applause. For some, such as Rev Osei Kofi, it was one of the best things to happen to the retired players since the election of Mr Ben Koufie, a former national player, as head of the GFA.


“In the past some of us were honoured with electric kettles and television sets. But this is a far bigger recognition of our contribution, which would be there for future generations to know,” Osei Kofi told Graphic Sports.

The proposed Hall of Fame, according to Mr Mensah, is likely to be located at the Accra Stadium extension, pending the approval of the sports ministry.


It would also house trophies, medals won by the nation, old national jerseys, footballs and boots worn by national greats and other relics.


“We want the Hall of Fame to function as a sort of tourist attraction where visitors would pay to learn about the country’s achievements and those who brought fame to Ghana, as exists in some major European stadia,” explained Mr Mensah.


“We hope to put on sale old replica jerseys of the Black Stars and autographed photos of memorable achievements, as a means of raising funds.”