President Akufo-Addo was one of our best players - 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has etched his name in the history of the esteemed 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club in Kumasi, Ashanti region, as one of their finest players in over 65 years.
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The club's captain and president, Lawyer Francis Koffie, revealed this during a media briefing, emphasizing President Akufo-Addo's ongoing affiliation with the club.
"Nana Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana, was one of our best squash players. He is still an associate member of the club and he was here in 2018 to visit the kids during the May Day Kids Squash Clinic organized by the club," disclosed Lawyer Koffie. "He played with us from 1988 to 1989, the time when he and his late wife opened a branch of DHL in Kumasi," added Kwame Osei Prempeh, the assistant captain and vice president of the club.
Mr. Prempeh, who has been a part of the club for four decades, reminisced about the golden age of squash in Ghana, noting that prominent figures like the late P. V. Obeng, various cabinet ministers, former Ashanti Regional minister Ohene Agyekum (club member) during President J. J. Rawlings' government, and CEOs such as Sir Sam Jonah of AngloGold Ashanti, actively participated in the sport.
The 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club, which originally established its squash court in 1958, underwent modernization under the leadership of Lawyer Francis Koffie. The club's inaugural opening ceremony in 2016 was graced by renowned boxer Azumah Nelson and Brig. Gen. Joseph Boampong, the General Officer in charge of the Central Command.
Lawyer Koffie highlighted the recent sports research that identifies squash as the leading cardiovascular and overall healthier sport globally. He emphasized that the club's court is open to anyone interested in the sport, which is now a part of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
The club proudly shared its success stories, including Clement Anafo's participation in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he represented Ghana in squash. Additionally, the club's junior team member, Frank Osei Donkor Jnr., holds the title of National U-11 Squash Champion.
Notable personalities such as the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, and the President of Ghana Bar Association, Yaw Boafo, are among the esteemed members of the 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club.
In a bid to rejuvenate the club and attract young talents, the club is actively engaging in a youth drive. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Kids Squash Clinic held every Saturday for training. Lawyer Koffie stressed that squash is not exclusively for males, highlighting the participation of former Attorney General Gloria Akuffo, who was a regular player and National Females Champion and umpire (referee) until her retirement.
The club expressed gratitude to its major sponsors, Geodrill Ghana Limited, Movie House Plaza, and partners, while extending an invitation to businesses to collaborate for a mutually beneficial partnership.