Ghana’s sole medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Samuel Takyi on Friday arrived to a hero’s welcome at the Kotoko International Airport in Accra.
Amidst drumming, dancing and singing, the boxer who won bronze to end Ghana’s 29-year wait for an Olympic medal, was hailed by hundreds of fans who gathered at the airport for his arrival.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah and Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof. Peter Twumasi were among dignitaries that joined boxing fans to give a rousing welcome to the boxer and other members of Team Ghana.
Also present were parents of the boxer, Godfred Takyi and Eunice Smith.
The Minister, Mustapha Ussif praised the boxer for raising the flag of the nation in Tokyo by winning a medal.
“This is a great achievement that we are all proud of. I wish to congratulate the boxer for his efforts,” he said.
“Takyi’s win was the first for Ghana in 29 years he was not the only person that set a record. We can also celebrate the 4x100m relay team that qualified for the finals for the first time in decades while Abeiku Jackson also broke the national record in swimming,” he stated.
“These are all achievements that we are proud of and certain that, with proper investment, there are numerous talents like Takyi that could win medals for the country at subsequent competitions,” he stressed.
He urged corporate entities to support the various disciplines to win medals for the country, adding that “government remains committed to ensuring that they invest in sports.”
Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah encouraged other boxers and athletes to work harder to represent the country at international events.
“Aside the exposure such events provide to athletes, they also become national heroes and would be celebrated for making nation proud,” he stated.
The boxer, Samuel Takyi who arrived with team captain, Suleimanu Tetteh and other officials, expressed appreciation to Ghanaians for their support and love shown them upon arrival in the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
