GhanaFA

Nyantakyi holds productive meeting with Hearts

12 years ago
Advertisement

Kwesi Nyantakyi visited the offices of the oldest Premier League team in the country, Accra Hearts of Oak on Thursday with one objective in mind; to acquaint himself with the club's operating module and strengthen the bond with game's governing body.

It was a productive meeting as the GFA President's visit was meant to listen to the club's concerns while taking first-hand feedback on how to continue to improve the league.

Nyantakyi said Hearts - like all the big clubs in Ghana - must serve as the role models for the smaller clubs who are trying to make an impact in the country.

The visit is part of a new policy by the GFA President to engage Ghanaian clubs in a bid listen to their concerns and help find solutions.

He was met on arrival by the club's CEO Fred Crentsil and long-serving administrative manager Ashford Tetteh Oku, who took him round the club's headquarters in Accra.

Crentsil praised Nyantakyi for his visit and efforts to improve the league while calling for more support for clubs in Ghana.

"We are very delighted that you have taken your time to come here to visit us. We are happy that you graciously arranged for sponsorship for the clubs," Crenstil said.

"Clubs are struggling financially and if more can be done to attract more sponsors we will be very happy."

Nyantakyi assured the clubs of the GFA's support while calling for clubs like Hearts and Kotoko to guide the small clubs in the country.

"Your observation about sponsorship is right. We will do our best to get more sponsors and get payments to the club in good time," he said.

"The big clubs in Ghana like Hearts and Kotoko must support the younger ones by being role models for them so that they can also grow like you have done.

"We will continue to visit the clubs and listen to their concerns while helping them find solutions to their problems.

"This visit will not stop here and will continue with the other clubs in the country."

Nyantakyi was shown some of the trophies won by the club and shown some of the club's historic pictures including the squad which won the country first league title.

Tetteh Oku, who has been at the club for nearly two decades, said: "It was a very well-kept surprise.

"It was a complete shock and a real honour. I have been in this office for a long time and this is the first time I have seen a GFA president visiting a club. "It is a big plus for us the clubs and we know that there is a GFA President who really care about us.

"This shows that Mr. Nyantakyi is seriously connecting with the clubs in Ghana to find out their problems at first hand. I am really impressed with his approach."

Hearts celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.