Accra: 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, attended by football officials, government representatives, and corporate leaders.
According to Ghana News Agency, in his new role, 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, praised Gyan's nearly two-decade-long contribution to Ghana football, highlighting his role as a significant influence in the sport.
"For nearly two decades, he carried the hopes, dreams, expectations and emotions of millions of Ghanaians on his shoulders," Simeon-Okraku stated. Gyan remains Ghana's all-time leading scorer and Africa's highest scorer at the World Cup, a record that reflects his consistency, longevity, and commitment to his 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. Simeon-Okraku reminisced about Gyan's historic goal against the Czech Republic in the 2006 World Cup and Ghana's run to the quarter-finals in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Simeon-Okraku emphasized that the appointment aims to leverage 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 stated. "We are embracing legacy. We are institutionalising inspiration. We are reconnecting our future with one of the greatest symbols of our football heritage."
Gyan expressed his honor at the appointment and pledged his continued service to Ghana football. He emphasized the importance of investing in youth football, noting that grassroots development is crucial for the sport's future success. "Grassroots football is the foundation of every successful football nation," Gyan said. He urged corporate Ghana to support football development, emphasizing that the sport's future depends on today's efforts.