Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan has signaled his eagerness to contribute to sports in diverse capacities, including a potential foray into politics.
The former Black Stars captain, who retired from football last year, has been named as the sub-committee chair for youth and sports in the manifesto committee of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Dr. Bawumia revealed a list of personalities assigned to contribute to his manifesto, and Gyan’s unexpected inclusion suggests a new chapter for the iconic footballer off the field.
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Reacting to the announcement, Gyan took to his official social media account to express his enthusiasm for expanding sports beyond football and contributing to the growth of the industry.
Reflecting on his career, Gyan emphasised his wealth of experience and skills that could be valuable in elevating sports in Ghana. He stated, “When I look back at my career, my highs, my low, my failures, and my success, I think I have enough experience and the techniques to contribute in sports.
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.”
When I look back at my career, my highs, my low, my failures, and my success, I think I have enough experience and the techniques to contribute in sports.
I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don't want to change? How do spectate without being on the bench and…
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) February 22, 2024
Gyan’s appointment as the sub-committee chair for youth and sports aligns with his recent call for sports legends to unite and use their influence, networks, and resources to attract investors into the country.
I believe the time has come for Legends in sports to come together and use their influence, network and resources in attracting investors into our country and make a meaningful impact on our youth in the sports fraternity I.e football, boxing and other athletics. I strongly…
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) February 21, 2024
While Gyan is not traditionally known for his involvement in politics, his recent engagements demonstrate a growing interest in contributing to the broader development of the nation. Previously, there were reports of his interest in running for the office of a member of parliament, and he has been seen as a notable guest during Dr. Bawumia’s initiatives, including the unveiling of the ‘Bold Solutions’ speech that outlined the Vice President’s vision ahead of the general elections.
In his prior role as the captain of the senior national team, Asamoah Gyan played a crucial part in upholding the dominant force that Ghana had become in African football, a legacy established by former skippers John Mensah and Stephen Appiah among others
Under his captaincy, Ghana consistently reached the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), showcasing their prowess on the continental stage, although they fell short of securing the ultimate victory.
The former Udinese forward has already initiated a number of sporting projects like the Baby Jet Boxing promotion as well the Baby Jet U-16 tournament aimed at unearthing talents in Ghana
Individually, Asamoah Gyan proved to be a formidable force up front, solidifying his status as the all-time top scorer for Ghana. He accomplished an impressive feat by scoring 51 goals in 109 appearances for the national team. Additionally, Gyan holds the distinction of being Africa’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup, netting six goals across three tournament appearances.