By Ernest Bako Wubonto
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, the newly crowned Paramount Chief (Omanhene) of Kwahu traditional area, has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving Okwahu United Football Club and getting it back into the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Daasebre expressed resolute conviction about the club’s prospects of regaining its former glory as one of the country’s best clubs with a rich history in Ghana football.
“We are known as Asaase Aban Yenti Gyae for a reason and we will make sure to put things in place so Okwahu United qualifies for the premiership league next season. The coach and management have informed me that with the right financial support we can make it to the top flight level and I am determined to make that happen,” he said.
Founded in 1975, Asaase Aban Yenti Gyae used to be a formidable force – producing the best players each year for the country’s national football teams, especially the Black Stars, but fell very low to ‘Division Two’ league level along the line.
Currently, the team is third in ‘Group Three’ of the Division One League table with 33 points from 18 games – just six points behind the leaders, Hohoe United, with 39 points.
The Assase Aban lads have twice won the MTN FA Cup – winning the title in 1986 and 1994 and finishing as Runners-up in 1997 and 2000.
To realise this comeback dream for the club, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III held a Fundraising and Coronation Dinner to garner Kwahuman support for the club.
Daasebre created a fund for the club to streamline donations and support sustainably, intending to address funding which is a critical setback for the club.
To achieve this vision, Nana Akuamoah Boateng III hosted a dinner and fundraising exercise to mark his coronation – raising an impressive GH₵200,000 in addition to an undisclosed amount for the club.
These funds will be invested in the club’s development, enabling Okwahu United to compete at the highest level.
Daasebre, in his vision statement for the paramountcy, highlighted his plans to revive the club with needed resources, revamp its academy to train skilled young players for the senior club and provide an opportunity for natives of Kwahu – especially children who wish to develop their talent in football to professional status.
He is optimistic that by focusing on identifying and nurturing promising young talents, the club can lay a solid foundation for future success.
General Manager-Okwahu United Nana Kwame Dankwah stated that the club, which produced national heroes such as Antony Yeboah and CK Akunnor among others, deserves the support it needs to rise back to glory.
He mentioned that a new planning committee has been constituted to help bring the team back to its glory days. He said the team is best in its zone, playing some scintillating football to the admiration of fans.
Providing some background context to the team’s recent performance, he narrated that Okwahu United – who were relegated to the third-tier League (Division Two) in 2017, continued a superb record in the Middle League by winning all five of their matches. On their path to the middle League, Okwahu wrapped up the 2022/23 season with an unbeaten record.
They had a scintillating ‘Middle League’ campaign after scoring 15 goals and conceding only three in making a return to the second-tier league after a six-year hiatus.
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III’s efforts demonstrate his dedication to promoting sports development in the Kwahu traditional area. As Paramount Chief, he is committed to creating opportunities for the youth and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage
With 12 matches left to complete the campaign, Daasebre believes the team stands a better chance of qualification, hence the plea for lovers of the club to demonstrate their benevolence to the Asaase Ban.
