Powell in Ghana to inspire youth

Jamaican athletics legend Asafa Powell arrived in the country to a rousing welcome last Monday night for a week’s working visit at the invitation of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President, Ben Nunoo Mensah.

Accompanied by his Ghanaian-Canadian wife, Alysia Akua Miller-Powell, the former men’s 100m World record holder was met on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport by a delegation led by the GOC President, which included the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen; a former Olympian, Emmanuel (Koora) Tuffour, as well as the Die-Hard Supporters Union.

Powell, who twice held the 100m world record between June 2005 and May 2008, is in Ghana to inspire young athletes and also engage in other activities. 

Experience sharing

A gold medallist at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games, the retired athlete told the media that he was happy to be in Ghana to share his experience and inspire the youngsters to reach their full potential.

“I came with my wife to see where she’s from and grew up and experience the culture. Hopefully, I can be back a lot more to spend time with my family here,” 40-year-old Powell said.

The sprints icon is scheduled to hold a meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, at his office in Accra today.

As part of his itinerary, Powell will visit the family house of Christian Atsu today to commiserate with the family of the late football star and also meet some traditional leaders at the Ga Traditional Council.

He is due to pay a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, meet heads of national sports federations and the Local Organising Committee of the 13th African Games, as well as have a media engagement during his visit.