The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has honoured the memory of the late Uriah Asante, a former Hearts of Oak player who died last year after suffering cardiac arrest.
The PFAG last Wednesday inaugurated its new office complex and had its boardroom named after the former Hearts midfielder. The new facility christened, "The Home of the Players," pays tribute to some historical teams, players and moments in Ghana football.
The new office is located at the Accra Sports Stadium, and has cubicles within named after national teams that have chalked up international success, namely the 1992 Olympic team that won bronze at the Games in Barcelona, the Black Stars squad that finished second at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, as well the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup -winning team.
According to Mr Tony Baffoe, the General?Secretary of the PFAG, the decision was to recognise all footballers who made an impact on football both at home and on the international scene.
Inaugurating the office, Theo van Seggelen, the General Secretary of International Federation of Profession Footballers (FIFPro), expressed the hope that the facility would be the “true home” of all footballers and will thus serve and help protect their interest.
The FIFPro general secretary, who was in Ghana to attend the opening of the General Assembly of the Africa Division Africa FIFPro hosted by the PFAG, said he was impressed with effort put in by the PFAG, and pledged to provide the local body with equipment for video conferencing.
He said, "We are very proud of you and what we have seen. I am sure all Ghanaian players will be excited too because at least they have someone to fight for their interest".
The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr Robert Sarfo Mensah, said his outfit was thrilled with the impact of the PFAG on the lives of Ghanaian footballers and will continue to support them.
"We are happy to host you here and I am overwhelmed by your professionalism, especially with your time. I urge all the sporting associations to learn from you.