by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer
Reported by Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, the media officer of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, an Adowa dance was performed, a tradition of the Akan people at ceremonies. During the performance, the dancers communicated their emotions and feelings through their hands and feet.
At last a wait of 16 years since the last occasion Ghana hosted an international tournament had become a reality, the smiles on the faces of players, officials and the spectators reflected the sense of occasion.
Mawuko Afadzinu, President of Ghana Table Tennis Association, was clearly delighted.
“You are all warmly welcome to Ghana for this triple treat: World Junior Circuit, World Table Tennis Day with the stars, and African Junior Championships.” Mawuko Afadzinu
Notably, Mawuko Afadzinu thanked Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana for agreeing to be the patron of the tournament, as well as Ghana’s Sports Ministers, Isaac Kwame Asiamah and his Deputy Perry Okudzeto. They were present alongside Professor Peter Twumasi from the National Sports Authority, Mr. Dapaah manager of Snnit Trust Emporium and those who had worked tirelessly for the tournament to see the light of day.
“We are here to celebrate table tennis and celebrate with you as well. Table tennis was a part of us some years ago and we let it slip away; this tournament will revive our efforts in gathering more players across the country to increase our pool of talent. We want to create a rich pipeline of champions. We are thankful to our pacesetters who have won laurels for Ghana before in the persons of three time African champion Ethel Jacks, two time African champion Emmanuel Quaye and our last African singles champion Esther Lamptey.” Mawuko Afadzinu
Dignitaries present included Zhu Jing, Charge D’affaire of the Chinese Embassy, Zhang Yi, third secretary of the Chinese Embassy, Richard Ikeyi, Charge D’affaire of the Nigerian High Commission and Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah.
In his welcoming address, the Honourable Isaac Kwame Asiamah, the Minister for Youth and Sport stated that the hosting of the tournament, apart from the fact that medals will be won, has the potential to foster friendship, unity and co-operation among nations.
He further stated that this table tennis tournament will be used to deepen already existing cordial relationships between the various participating countries present in Ghana.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Ghana will use this tournament as a launch pad for the African Games in 2023 and that government does not see sport as a luxury anymore but an important investment in the present and future.
