Herbert Mensah is the President of Rugby Africa
The entire sporting fraternity remains expectant of who will be announced as the Minister of Youth and Sports as John Dramani Mahama has been sworn into office as the President of Ghana.
Herbert Amponsah Mensah’s name has popped up as one of the individuals whose profile and background in sports across the globe could convince the decision-makers to give him the appointment as sports minister.
He has distinguished himself as a sports administrator and businessman with extensive experience, having worked with various clubs and currently serving as the President of Rugby Africa.
GhanaWeb Sports dissects the chances of Herbert Mensah being appointed as the sports minister by the John Mahama-led government.
Herbert Mensah‘s Profile:
Herbert Amponsah Mensah is a Ghanaian businessman, sports administrator, and the president of Rugby Africa.
He entered the business world while still a student and gained business experience in Zimbabwe, among other places, in the tobacco industry.
His entrepreneurship led to his pursuit of success in the telecommunications industry.
He is a member of the World Rugby Executive Board.
He is a former CEO of Asante Kotoko and is often referenced as the best leader the club has had in the 21st century.
Reasons Herbert Mensah might get the sports minister appointment:
Not a political figure and appeals to all:
Despite Mensah’s reputation in the country, he does not align himself with any political party, which makes him appealing to everyone.
When things are going wrong, he criticizes appropriately and offers solutions to stakeholders on how they can overcome the challenges.
He abstains from indulging in political activities and sticks to his values.
Marketing background seen as an essential tool in generating funds for sporting activities:
He entered the business world while still a student and gained business experience, among other places, in the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe.
His entrepreneurship led to his pursuit of success in the telecommunications industry.
Due to the lack of funding for lesser-known sports, Mensah initiated various activities, including a raffle ticket drive.
He also managed to get corporate entities such as Accra Brewery, Interplast Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and Zen Petroleum involved in supporting Ghana Rugby.
It is believed that if he gets the opportunity to be the sports minister, he could generate funds to support other sporting activities.
Focus on lesser-known sports:
As the President of Rugby Africa and a member of the World Rugby Executive team, his attention has been on improving the sports that are not given much attention.
In his younger years, he played rugby for Sussex and Saracens while schooling in the United Kingdom. He undertook massive restructuring at Ghana Rugby, which has enhanced its fortunes.
Reasons Herbert Mensah might not be appointed as sports minister:
Unwillingness to leave post as Rugby Africa president:
As the current President of Rugby Africa, it remains unclear if Mensah will leave his position to take over as the Minister of Sports if called upon.
As the ministerial position requires one to defend the government in times of crisis and sometimes compromise his positions, it is unknown if he will agree to align with these conditions.
Not seen as a member of the NDC:
Ministerial appointments are mostly given to persons who are more affiliated with a particular political party and support them.
As John Mahama is the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Herbert Mensah might not appeal to the persons in charge of making the decision.
It becomes more complicated when there are staunch NDC members who are also lobbying for the same position.
Watch the moment Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana
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