February 11, 2025

Is Herbert Mensah the Ideal Choice for Minister of Youth and Sports?

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Herbert Mensah

As the sports community in Ghana eagerly anticipates the announcement of the new Minister of Youth and Sports following the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, one name that has surfaced as a strong contender is Herbert Amponsah Mensah. His extensive background in sports administration and business, coupled with his global experience, has made him a key figure in discussions about the future of sports in the country. Mensah, who is currently the President of Rugby Africa, is widely respected for his leadership roles and his contributions to the sports sector, particularly rugby. GhanaWeb Sports takes a closer look at the reasons why Herbert Mensah could be considered for the role of Minister of Youth and Sports under the Mahama-led government.

Herbert Mensah’s Background:

Herbert Amponsah Mensah is a Ghanaian businessman, sports administrator, and the current President of Rugby Africa. His journey into the business world began while he was still a student, and he gained invaluable experience in the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe before transitioning into the telecommunications sector. Mensah’s entrepreneurial spirit and success led him to become a prominent figure in the business world. He also holds a position on the World Rugby Executive Board, further showcasing his global influence in the sports sector. Mensah’s leadership experience includes his tenure as the CEO of Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most celebrated football clubs. His work at Kotoko earned him the reputation of being the best leader the club has had in the 21st century.

Why Herbert Mensah Could Be the Ideal Candidate for Sports Minister:

  1. Political Neutrality and Broad Appeal: One of the most compelling reasons why Herbert Mensah is considered a strong candidate for the role of Minister of Youth and Sports is his political neutrality. Despite his significant stature in Ghana’s sporting community, Mensah has always kept his distance from political affiliations. He is not aligned with any political party, which makes him an appealing figure to both sides of the political divide. Mensah’s ability to speak candidly about issues affecting the sports sector, criticize when necessary, and offer solutions without being involved in political machinations adds to his appeal. This non-partisan approach could help him win the support of various stakeholders in the sports sector, including those from different political backgrounds.
  2. Business and Marketing Expertise: Mensah’s business acumen and experience in marketing make him well-positioned to address one of the biggest challenges in Ghanaian sports: securing funding for lesser-known sports. Having worked in the telecommunications industry and other sectors, he has developed the skills to generate revenue and attract sponsorships. Mensah has demonstrated his fundraising abilities by successfully bringing in corporate sponsors for Ghana Rugby, such as Accra Brewery, Vodafone Ghana, and Zen Petroleum. Given the chronic lack of funding for sports outside of football, Mensah’s expertise in securing financial support could prove invaluable if he were appointed sports minister. His background suggests that he could bring a fresh approach to generating revenue and support for various sports in the country.
  3. Commitment to Developing Lesser-Known Sports: Another area where Mensah could make a significant impact as Minister of Youth and Sports is in promoting lesser-known sports. As the President of Rugby Africa, Mensah has been a vocal advocate for improving the fortunes of sports that do not receive the same level of attention as football. His restructuring efforts within Ghana Rugby have resulted in notable improvements for the sport in the country. Mensah’s passion for promoting and developing sports beyond football is driven by his own experience as a former rugby player, having played for Sussex and Saracens in the United Kingdom. His commitment to nurturing a broader range of sports in Ghana could help elevate the country’s overall sporting profile on the global stage.

Challenges That Could Hinder Herbert Mensah’s Appointment:

  1. Commitment to Rugby Africa: One of the major obstacles to Herbert Mensah’s potential appointment as sports minister is his current position as the President of Rugby Africa. As a leading figure in African rugby, it is uncertain whether Mensah would be willing to leave his influential role to take on the responsibilities of a sports minister. The role of a minister often requires making political compromises and defending government policies, which could conflict with Mensah’s independent stance. His commitment to the growth of rugby and his current leadership role may make it difficult for him to step down, especially given the time and effort required to lead Rugby Africa.
  2. Political Affiliation and Party Loyalty: In Ghana, ministerial appointments are often influenced by political loyalty, with candidates typically aligned with the ruling party. Given that John Dramani Mahama is the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), it is likely that the government may prefer candidates with strong ties to the party. Mensah, who is not affiliated with the NDC, may not be viewed as the ideal candidate by those within the party who are lobbying for the position. His political neutrality could be seen as a disadvantage in a system where party loyalty is often a key factor in ministerial appointments.

Herbert Mensah’s impressive background in sports administration, business, and marketing makes him a strong contender for the role of Minister of Youth and Sports. His political neutrality, expertise in generating funds for sports, and commitment to promoting lesser-known sports position him as an ideal candidate. However, his current leadership role with Rugby Africa and his lack of political affiliation may present challenges to his appointment. Ultimately, whether Mensah will be appointed to the position will depend on the political dynamics at play and his willingness to take on the responsibilities of the role.

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