Ghana’s Herbert Mensah was elected the new President of Rugby Africa on Saturday, March 18.
With the 32 votes cast at the conference to decide between Herbert and his only challenger, Uganda’s Andrew Owuo as to who should succeed outgoing President Khalid Babou of Tunisia, 30 votes went in Herbert’s favour, one for Owuo, with the other being counted as spoilt ballot.
Herbert Mensah was elected as the new President of Rugby Africa for the next four years during the organisation’s AGM in Cape Town, South Africa.
The President of Ghana Rugby was nominated by Nigeria Rugby and seconded by Botswana Rugby with the massive support of French and English West Africa, Southern, central and northern Africa, in recognition of his massive transformation of the game in Ghana.
Herbert Mensah also received the official endorsement of the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority and other sporting authorities.
In his acceptance speech, Herbert Mensah reiterated his passionate vision for the growth of African Rugby. He highlighted that his priority would be to continue the work he has already begun, helping rugby progress and grow not just in Africa, but globally. Mensah emphasized his business experience and stated that he would apply it to Rugby Africa, to generate revenues and development opportunities for all member associations.
Mensah said, “As we embark on this journey, I want us to project rugby as an alternative team sport, gain financial independence and improve the World Rugby Elite Program. My aim is to make Rugby Africa the gold standard for sports administration in the African continent.”
Rugby fans across the continent would be delighted by Mensah’s vision, which aims to raise the level of African rugby internationally. Mensah added, “My vision for the next four years is to foster an all-inclusive competition framework that will provide members equal opportunities to grow and develop. I am also determined to build a positive and strong brand for Rugby Africa, expand the women’s rugby program, and provide a national stadium for each member association.”
He has been congratulated by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).
Credit: Sammy Heywood Okine
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