BY DANIEL BAMPOE
Politician and businessman Bryan Acheampong has made a striking gesture to some of the country’s most recognisable football figures, presenting Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Rahim Ayew and former Black Stars midfielder Mubarak Wakaso with two plots of land each during their recent visit to Kwahu.
The gesture, which has attracted attention because of the scale of the reward, was made at Acheampong’s residence in Kwahu as the football stars took part in activities aimed at celebrating their contribution to Ghanaian football and promoting grassroots sports in the area.
The visit featured a mixture of football, traditional engagement and hospitality. Before taking part in a community friendly match, the players reportedly paid a courtesy call on the Kwahu Chief’s Palace, where they engaged with traditional authorities and participated in cultural activities.
The football highlight of the visit was a community game involving the former and current Ghana stars and the Kwahu Ambassador XI, with Andre Ayew’s team walloping the home team by 4-0. The match was organised as part of efforts to promote youth development and create greater interest in football within the Kwahu area.
Following the sporting activity, Acheampong hosted the football personalities and subsequently honoured each of the four guests with two plots of land. The presentation was described as a recognition of their contribution to Ghanaian football and their influence on the sport beyond the national team.
Andre Ayew, the arrowhead of the footballing brothers, has enjoyed a lengthy career with the Black Stars and remains one of Ghana’s most experienced international players. He has captained the national team and featured at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups.
His younger brother Jordan has also established himself as an important figure for Ghana, while Rahim Ayew represented the Black Stars and has continued his involvement in football. Wakaso, meanwhile, was for years a key member of Ghana’s midfield and represented the country at major international competitions.
Bryan Acheampong also used the occasion to praise Andre Ayew’s involvement in grassroots football and expressed his willingness to collaborate with him in identifying and nurturing emerging talents from communities across the Kwahu region.
The proposed collaboration could provide a platform for young footballers in the area to receive greater exposure and development opportunities, particularly through scouting and grassroots programmes.
The visit also gave the football stars an opportunity to tour Acheampong’s Rock City Hotel resort in Kwahu. They were shown facilities including the resort’s gym and apartments as part of their tour.
The land presentation has added an unexpected dimension to what began as a football and community engagement, with the four football personalities leaving Kwahu not only with memories of the visit but also with property gifts from their host.
