UG Vice Chancellor (3L) in a group photograph with LTC executivesÂ
President of the Legon Tennis Club, Bethel Kwansa-Bentum, has called on the government to increase its investment in tennis sports, as the discipline is yet to realize its full potential.
In an interview with the paper, Kwansa-Bentum highlighted the shortcomings in tennis, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of financial incentives, and insufficient training opportunities.
These shortcomings, he explained, were evident in Team Ghana’s performance at the recent African Games, where none of the players in the four competitive categories managed to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
“It is unfortunate that in the last African Games, we did not secure any medals in tennis. However, I believe that with continued dedication and support, this trend can be reversed,” he remarked.
Kwansa-Bentum made these remarks following a match between the Legon Tennis Club (LTC) and the Achimota School Tennis Club (ASTEC).
President of the Legon Tennis Club, Bethel Kwansa Bentum (right) making a presentation to the Vice President of the Achimota School Tennis Club
The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, PhD, FGA, who participated as an honorary member of the Legon Tennis Club.
Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, PhD, FGA, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana addressing the gathering
She partnered with the club’s coach, George Nyarko, in an exhibition mixed doubles match (non-scoring) against visitors from the Achimota School Tennis Club. The visitors won this match, which was a super tie-break (race to 10).
Five of the initially scheduled eleven competitive games were played: one men’s singles, one women’s singles, one men’s doubles, one women’s doubles, and one mixed doubles match.
The results of the competitive matches are as follows:
– Men’s Singles: George Nyarko (LTC) vs. Owuo (ASTEC) – 6-3
– Women’s Singles: Lawrenica (LTC) vs. Kukua (ASTEC) – 6-0
– Men’s Doubles: Ben Mba/Kwaku Sarfo Akyena vs. Ransford/Prince (ASTEC) – 7-5
– Women’s Doubles: Joyce Brandful/Lawrencia Manu vs. Esther/Kukua (ASTEC) – 7-5
Other dignitaries present at the event included the President of the Ghana Tennis Federation and the secretary.
The President and the Secretary of the Ghana Tennis Federation
The Captain of the Legon Tennis Club, Kwame Asamoa-Boateng, expressed delight at their victory in the competition.
He explained that due to time constraints caused by rainfall, only five of the 11 scheduled games were played, with plans to complete the remaining matches in the next competition.
The captains of the two clubs; Nana Kwame Asamoa-Boateng (LTC) and Isaac Adjei (ASTEC)
By Prince Fiifi Yorke