Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the President of Ghana Beach Soccer Association, has been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to serve in the role of Director General of National Sports Authority (NSA).
Mr Ankrah, a renowned and seasoned journalist is expected to work with Mr Kofi Adams, the Sports, and Recreation Minister to develop and coordinate sporting events in the country.
His role would focus on key areas in sports which include enhancing national sports management system, promoting national cohesion through sports and advocating for professionalism for the successfulness sports in general.
Mr Ankrah, a British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) trained journalist who gained a lot of global recognition is also expected to bring his expertise and innovative ideas on board to reform and adjust the sporting infrastructure administration in sports.
He will also collaborate with the Sports Minister to promote health, recreation, among others which would ultimately improve sustainable wealth creation as well as infrastructure development to unearth talent for brighter future.
Mr Gameli Adika, the Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Stars Beach Soccer team, in the Anloga district of the Volta Region, described Mr. Ankrah’s appointment as an ideal decision addition that,” he is a dedicated person to sports development and l commended President for appointing him to such important position.”
Mr Adika said the Mr. Ankrah’s extensive experience in promoting Beach Soccer was a testament in pushing sports development in the country and the new role would boost sports from various angles.
“We have all seen what he has done when it comes to sports including boxing, beach soccer, football among others and l believe blending the experience he has in journalism and that of sports will help the industry prosper.”
Some other sports enthusiasts the GNA interacted with expressed strong believe that Mr Ankrah was capable of holding the office of the NSA and possibly turning the fortunes of the nation for better.
Some sports fun also said that his appointment comes at a critical time when the NSA was constantly accused of mismanagement and their inabilities to maintain the good standard of stadia in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Ankrah’s tenure as the Beach Soccer President has seen massive progress which include first ever back-to-back victory over ‘The Elephants’ of Côte d’Ivoire with 10-5 goal aggregates in the AFCON qualifiers and emerged fifth place team in the last year’s Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations held in Egypt, Hurghada.