Emotional Sammy Kuffour, PFAG pledge support for Prisoners football project
Former Ghana International, Samuel Osei Kuffour, was overcome with emotion last week as he led a delegation of former Black Stars players on a touching visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons for charity work, pledging greater support for inmates through life-changing football and social initiatives.
Kuffour, President of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), accompanied a host of former national team stars and a former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, to launch the Prisons Football Project — a new initiative aimed at offering hope and rehabilitation through the power of sport.
The visit last Tuesday featured a spirited friendly match between two inmate teams, showcasing impressive talent behind bars. Kuffour, visibly moved by the passion and skill on display, revealed that one of the standout players hailed from his own hometown.
“The number 10 from the blue team is from my town,” Kuffour said emotionally, adding, “I also recognised many others from Kumasi, Ashtown and Krofrom — it’s unbelievable.”
“But I admire your spirit and determination. Incarceration is not the end of the world. Stay hopeful and stay strong. We are here to support you, and next time, we’ll return with more donations and more encouragement,” he pledged.
The initiative was sparked by a visit Kwesi Nyantakyi made two weeks earlier to check on Alhaji Inusah, former chairman of Wa All Stars, who is currently serving time at the facility. During that visit, Nyantakyi witnessed a football match among inmates that deeply inspired him to launch the project.
Addressing the prisoners, the former FA president urged them not to lose hope, emphasising that their current situation could serve as a turning point.
“You are still valued and respected members of society,” Mr Nyantakyi assured them.
“Take this time as a learning curve. I am personally committed to doing whatever I can to improve the lives of inmates for the rest of my life,” he added.
