By Simon Asare
Accra, May 21, GNA – Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has been appointed ambassador for the national teams and colts’ football by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top scorer, was unveiled on Wednesday at a ceremony in Accra, which was attended by football officials, government representatives and corporate leaders.
In the position, Gyan will lead promotional campaigns, drive fan engagement initiatives and support corporate partnerships aimed at strengthening backing for the national teams and youth football development.
Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the GFA, hailed Gyan’s contribution to Ghana football, citing his influence over nearly two decades.
“For nearly two decades, he carried the hopes, dreams, expectations and emotions of millions of Ghanaians on his shoulders,” Simeon-Okraku said.
“To this day, Asamoah Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and Africa’s highest scorer at the World Cup – a record that speaks not merely to greatness, but to consistency, longevity and unwavering commitment to country.”
Gyan, who scored 51 goals for Ghana and featured at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential players.
“Who can ever forget Germany, 2006?” Simeon-Okraku said. “When a young, fearless Asamoah Gyan etched his name permanently into history by scoring Ghana’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against the Czech Republic.”
He also reflected on Ghana’s run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“Yes, football can be cruel. And yes, history often remembers moments of heartbreak,” he said.
“But true leadership is not defined by moments of pain. It is defined by resilience. And if there is one thing Asamoah Gyan taught this nation, it is this: champions rise again.”
Mr Simeon-Okraku said the appointment was intended to harness Gyan’s legacy to support future generations.
“Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he said.
“We are embracing legacy. We are institutionalising inspiration. We are reconnecting our future with one of the greatest symbols of our football heritage.”
Gyan said he was honoured by the appointment and pledged continued service to Ghana football.
“I am truly honoured by this recognition,” Gyan said.
“I want to thank the President and the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association for believing in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. Ghana football has given me everything, and I will continue to serve this country with passion and dedication.”
He urged greater investment in youth football, warning that development at grassroots level remains key to the sport’s future.
“Grassroots football is the foundation of every successful football nation,” he said.
“We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope. I want to appeal to corporate Ghana to support football development because the future of our game depends on what we build today,” Gyan added.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare