Accra, Sept 14, GNA – Following the qualification of Akatsi All Stars FC, to the national Division One League, the youth in the area have commended Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, and others for their roles in reaching that feat.
“Had it not been the foresight of the MP, the dreams of many youth and the entire Avenor Traditional Area to have a football club would not have been possible,” the youth said.
They explained that “it all began when Hon. Bernard Ahiafor envisaged the need to develop the skills the youth possess in Sports.
“This, he started, by organising a competitive football matches on electoral bases and donated sports equipment such as sets of football, sets of jerseys, among others, to all the participating teams.”
The compliments were contained in a press statement after securing the Division One slot, following the final clash, which saw a high display of local football at the Ho Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The match ended goalless with Home Stars at the end of regulation time. It then travelled to penalties with Akatsi All Stars emerging winners on a 3-1 aggregate.
Following the victory, the youth, in poetic language wrote the statement, signed by Mr. Johnson Korbla Samlafo Marshall, Convenor of the Avenor Youth Forum, praising the lawmaker for his indefatigable efforts that contributed to the height of the club.
They wrote: “The sown seed has begun bearing fruits!
“It is said that some people are born to succeed and with kind and loving heart, whatever the hero of our time Hon. Bernard Ahiafor MP for Akatsi South is determined to do, success is assured.”
And added: “We can recall his meticulous efforts to develop the youth of Avenor through Sports, Apprenticeship and Education.
“Akatsi All Stars, a football team which is for the people of Avenor has come to stay.
According to the youth, the Football became alive through Mr. Ahiafor’s effort as a lawmaker to unlock the sports talent of the many youth in the Constituency which eventually produced a formidable club in the Volta region.
The youth said Mr. Ahiafor, “being a lawyer and man of principle, followed the law and other football regulations and duly registered and legalized the team.”
However, “in all these, though some people were as usual through diabolical and political ways and means to crush this effort, the gentleman Hon. Bernard Ahiafor was determined and stood firm.
“At a point, some of us thought he would give up. He rather held the bull by the horn and repositioned anyone at where he or she fits best.
“His cash supports to the team is immeasurable.
“This gentleman knows one cannot do it alone, so he works with very devoted persons like Mr. Anthony Adoteivi (Solo) as the chairman, Worfa Peter and Coach Dorkenu to constitute the management team.
“Today Avenor in history can boast of Division One team, that’s Akatsi All-Stars.
“It is true who God bless, no one curse. And just as in the Holy Book, God himself anointed his leaders, so is Hon. Bernard Ahiafor anointed. “
The statement recognised Torgbuiga Dorglo Anumah, the Paramount chief of Avenor, and Mr. Kwaku Joseph Hogle (Hungo), a native for being the registered patrons of the team.
The statement concluded with a prayer for God’s blessing on the Akatsi South MP, saying,” We pray for God’s abundant blessing for everyone and more special one to our treasure “adzagba” Hon. Bernard Ahiafor.
“Long Live Akatsi All-Stars! Long Live Avenor.”
GNA