CAF Champions League campaign: President Akufo-Addo pledges support for FC Samartex
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated FC Samartex 1996 for their triumph in the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League, and pledged the government's support for the club's CAF Champions League campaign.
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He also promised to address the crumbling road network between Bawdie and Samreboi in the Wassa Amenfi District to improve the critical road infrastructure and also alleviate the transportation challenges as FC Samartex gear up to host top teams from across the continent.
At the Jubilee House, last Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo received the delegation of officials and players from the newly-crowned champions.
The President expressed his excitement over FC Samartex’s meteoric rise and their emergence as a formidable force, culminating in their historic league title in just their second season in Ghana’s top flight.
Leading the delegation was the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, who was accompanied by the Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II; the President of FC Samartex, Dr Richard Duah Nsenkyire; the club's General Manager, Edmund Ackah; the Business Development Manager, Paul Kwasi Anyaba; Samartex Captain, Emmanuel Adu Siaw, and his deputy, Ebenezer Acquah.
Financial challenges
Narrating their turnaround season, Dr Nsenkyire explained that Samartex used their inaugural season in the league as a "learning experience" as they finished in 10th position.
The lessons learned propelled them to the top of the league table by the 14th week, maintaining their grip until they clinched the title.
He said their visit to the Jubilee House was twofold: to present the league title to the President and also seek his blessings and financial support for the club's continental campaign, which kicks off next month against Camerounian side, Victoria United.
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Expressing the financial challenges Ghanaian clubs faced in continental competitions, Dr Nsenkyire emphasised that these constraints had been the biggest hurdle to their performance.
He passionately appealed to the President to support FC Samartex in their maiden continental journey.
In response, President Akufo-Addo affirmed that as Ghana's representative in the Champions League, it was logical and appropriate that the state provided support for FC Samartex to succeed.
"The demands you're making on the government on this continental journey are not misplaced. You're flying the flag of Ghana so we have to see what we can do to support you as far as money is concerned," he assured.