Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, for rallying support behind him and the senior national team during Ghana’s campaign at the just-ended FIFA World Cup.
The goalkeeper paid a courtesy call on the Mayor at City Hall on Monday to personally thank him for the encouragement and confidence he showed throughout the tournament.
Describing the Mayor as both a father and a brother, Benjamin Asare said he deeply valued the support and guidance he received during Ghana’s World Cup journey.
According to him, his emergence as Ghana’s number-one goalkeeper was not something he could have predicted, but rather a blessing he believes came with a divine purpose.
He said representing the Black Stars had always been a childhood dream and a personal ambition he was determined to fulfil, adding that he remains committed to making a meaningful contribution to Ghanaian football.
Benjamin Asare also reflected on his personal journey, noting that although he was unable to attain the level of formal education he desired, he never gave up on his dream of serving the nation through football.
He said his experience with the national team exposed him to the immense love and support Ghanaians have for him and pledged to continue giving his best whenever he is called upon to represent the country.
The goalkeeper prayed for strength and unity among his teammates as they continue to pursue the goals of the Black Stars, while expressing confidence in the continued support of the Mayor and other well-meaning Ghanaians.
In response, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey praised Benjamin Asare’s rise and expressed confidence in his ability to reach greater heights in his football career.
The Mayor prayed that the goalkeeper secures opportunities with top international clubs and urged him to always remember his roots, particularly the role played by Accra Hearts of Oak in his development.
Mr Allotey recalled that Hearts of Oak has produced some of Ghana’s finest goalkeepers, including Sammy Adjei, and expressed hope that Benjamin Asare would receive the right opportunities to establish himself on the global stage.
He described the goalkeeper’s rise as a product of divine timing, stressing that when one’s moment arrives, no obstacle can prevent success.
The Mayor also proposed a follow-up engagement with Benjamin Asare and his management team before Friday to explore possible areas where the Assembly and other stakeholders could support his growth and future career.
Welcoming the goalkeeper to the Assembly, Hon. Allotey assured him that while Hearts of Oak remains his first home, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly would serve as his second home.
