Herbert Mensah Honoured with the Prestigious Order of the Volta
Source: http://www.richportaltv.com
Herbert Mensah, a distinguished figure in Ghana’s sporting landscape, has been conferred with the esteemed Order of the Volta, a national award that celebrates outstanding contributions to the country. This honour, one of Ghana’s most prestigious cross-party awards, recognises Mensah’s exceptional dedication and service to sports development over the past 25 years.
The ceremony was particularly meaningful for Mensah as he was joined by his family, including his elder sister Barbara, younger brother Bernard, cousin Yaw, and Yaw’s wife, Mary. Reflecting on the occasion, Mensah acknowledged the absence of his elderly mother, who could not attend, but fondly recalled an earlier honour he had received on behalf of his late father from former President John Agyekum Kufuor. This moment, enriched by familial support, further underscored the significance of his achievement.
Herbert Mensah is renowned for his transformative contributions to sports in Ghana, particularly rugby and football, and initiatives commemorating the May 9 stadium disaster. His acknowledgement as the sole recipient of the Order of the Volta from the sporting fraternity underscores his unparalleled commitment to the sector. In accepting the award, Mensah emphasised that the recognition was not solely his but belonged to all the stakeholders, colleagues, and collaborators who have journeyed with him over the years.
“This award is for all stakeholders who have come on this journey with me over the past 25 years,” he remarked, dedicating the honour to everyone who has played a part in advancing sports in Ghana. Mensah expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him, underscoring the collective effort required to achieve significant milestones in the field.
During his acceptance speech, Mensah extended his appreciation to His Excellency the President, highlighting the government’s role in fostering sports development. He particularly commended the establishment of a purpose-built Rugby Park and Ghana’s successful hosting of the Rugby Africa Ladies’ Sevens tournament. Mensah lauded the President’s decision to expand the tournament from eight to twelve teams, allowing additional countries such as Ivory Coast, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mauritius to participate. This expansion, he noted, exemplifies the inclusive spirit and forward-thinking approach necessary for advancing African sports.
Mensah’s journey in sports leadership has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a profound sense of responsibility. His tenure as the President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has been transformative, spearheading initiatives to enhance the sport’s infrastructure, visibility, and participation at both national and international levels. Under his leadership, Ghana rugby has seen significant growth, with increased opportunities for both men’s and women’s teams to compete on global stages.
In addition to his contributions to rugby, Mensah is deeply associated with Asante Kotoko SC, one of Ghana’s most illustrious football clubs. As a former Chairman, he revitalized the club, fostering a culture of professionalism and competitive excellence. Beyond football, Mensah’s dedication to commemorating the victims of the tragic May 9, 2001, Accra Sports Stadium disaster has been unwavering. Each year, he leads efforts to honor the memory of the 127 fans who lost their lives, ensuring that their legacy remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s sports history.
The Order of the Volta recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the nation in various fields, and Mensah’s accolade highlights the critical role of sports as a unifying and developmental tool. Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, Mensah urged stakeholders and sports enthusiasts to work collaboratively to reset and advance Ghanaian sports. He expressed optimism about the future, emphasising the immense potential that lies in collective effort and shared vision.
Mensah’s message was one of gratitude, unity, and hope. “I am thankful to you all and believe you should be proud of yourselves,” he shared, addressing the broader sporting community. He encouraged a united approach to rebuilding and advancing Ghanaian sports, underscoring the promise of a brighter future when all stakeholders align their efforts.
As the year drew to a close, Mensah extended his well wishes to all, advocating for a renewed commitment to excellence in the sporting domain. “The future holds a lot of promise if we can work together in the same direction,” he affirmed. His appeal for collaboration reflects his deep understanding of the transformative power of teamwork and shared purpose.
The Order of the Volta bestowed upon Herbert Mensah is a testament to his enduring impact on Ghanaian sports. It celebrates not just his individual achievements but also the collective strides made by the sports community under his leadership. As Mensah continues to champion the growth and development of sports in Ghana, his recognition serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the values of dedication, resilience, and collaborative success.
As Ghana looks ahead, Herbert Mensah’s legacy and vision offer a blueprint for a thriving sports culture, one built on unity, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.