by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Africa Press Officer

He is the face of table tennis in Ghana; he sets a fine example and is an inspiration for young players in the West African nation.

Recently in the 2018 Ghana National Table Tennis League, Derek Abrefa led the Ghana Immigration Service team to the title; he was named the Most Valuable Player in the five month tournament.

Organised by the Ghana Table Tennis Association, the competition started in May and concluded in on Saturday 8th December in the D.J. Hathramani Sports Hall at the Accra National Stadium.

An undergraduate of the University of Cape Coast, Derek Abrefa is an employee of the Ghana Immigration Service.

“This is the second time I have received such a prestigious award. I am happy that the Ghana Table Tennis Association, through the help of Ministry of Youth and Sports, once again has recognized my efforts. I didn’t come this far alone but with the efforts and sacrifices of many. I would like to thank the Director of Sports of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Ayer for being there for me throughout the year, as well the Ghana Table Tennis Association. I would also thank my manager Charles Tachie-Manson, my coach, Ebenezer Anang White and my national teammates for supporting me from the beginning of the season till now.” Derek Abrefa added.

Now the immediate goal for Derek Abrefa is to gain a place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, like Derek Abrefa on duty at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, Eva Adom Amankwa was named the Most Valuable Player in the Women’s Team event; she represented the Ghana Army, the eventual runners up.

Eva Adom Amankwa receives her award a the presentation ceremony staged in the Accra Stadium (Photo: courtesy of Olalekan Okusan)