Former Ghana international Kalilu Dramani has been honoured in his hometown of Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region with a statue erected in his honour and a roundabout officially named after him.
The recognition forms part of activities marking the fifth anniversary celebration of the Akukudam Club, which sought to celebrate the former defender’s contribution to Ghanaian football and his lasting impact on the sport.
Motorists and visitors entering Dunkwa-on-Offin are now greeted by the newly named Kalilu Dramani Roundabout, with a statue of the former Black Stars defender standing prominently at its centre.
The monument has quickly become a major landmark in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality and a symbol of appreciation for one of the town’s most celebrated sporting figures.
The unveiling ceremony drew hundreds of residents, football fans, traditional authorities and dignitaries. Several former and current football personalities also attended the event, including ex-Black Stars players and representatives of Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, clubs for which Dramani enjoyed successful spells during his playing career.
Speaking during the ceremony, Patron of the Akukudam Club, Ben Kwame Amoonu, said the honour was intended to recognise Dramani’s immense contribution to football development in Ghana.
According to him, the club believes sports heroes should be celebrated while they are alive to appreciate their sacrifices and inspire future generations.
He noted that naming the roundabout after the former defender would ensure his achievements remain permanently etched in the history of the community.
An emotional Kalilu Dramani expressed gratitude to the Akukudam Club and the people of Dunkwa-on-Offin for what he described as one of the greatest honours of his life.
He said he was humbled by the gesture and encouraged young footballers to remain disciplined, dedicated and hardworking in pursuing their dreams.
Born on October 21, 1972, in Dunkwa-on-Offin, Kalilu Dramani established himself as one of Ghana’s most dependable defenders, featuring prominently for both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak before earning national team recognition with the Black Stars.
One of the highlights of his career came in 1992 when he was part of Ghana’s Olympic football team that won a historic bronze medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, the first Olympic medal won by an African nation in football.
The honour places Kalilu Dramani among a select group of Ghanaian sports personalities whose achievements have been immortalised in their hometowns, underscoring his enduring legacy in Ghana football.
