Herbert Mensah, a well-known sports administrator and humanitarian, claims that President Akufo-Addo's awarding of him the coveted Order of the Volta honor has deep emotional meaning.

Herbert Mensah regarded the national award as a clear call to action for greater diversity in recognizing contributions to society, while also considering his achievements to athletics, philanthropy, and national development, as well as the teamwork that led to his success.

In my opinion, it serves as a clear reminder to the rest of society that we need more contributions. In Ghana, there are wonderful people who are frequently stifled by those who are more well-connected but lack talent. In an exclusive interview with Myjoyonline.com, he said, "If we can get them on board to change every aspect of our lives, and then is that they get rewarded so other people can see that you don't need to have money or be a big name or be involved with a political party in order to be recognized, then that will serve as greater inspiration."



An emotional and personal honor

"I have an emotional attachment to the Order of the Volta," Mr. Mensah disclosed. I never imagined receiving it, and I haven't really paid much attention to award shows over the years. After reading about them in the news, I tend to ignore them.

He said, "In every political dispensation, there are awardees who have served the government of the day, and therefore, people may doubt whether the recognition is truly merit-based." He acknowledged the skepticism that frequently surrounds national honors, especially those that are influenced by political considerations. But this prize means more to me than that.

Mr. Mensah described his success as being motivated by his concept of bringing about change. I've always considered myself to be a changemaker—someone who challenges the existing quo in order to effect change. This implies that you deal with disagreement and criticism frequently. But eventually, others start to recognize the worth of your work.

"There were people who didn't think the changes I introduced at Kotoko were necessary at the time," he said, reflecting on his revolutionary spell at Kumasi Asante Kotoko. However, some of those same voices now assert that "it was the right way" after years have passed. Structure and vision, not individual recognition, are what drive change.

Success through collaboration

Herbert Mensah was eager to give credit where credit was due, highlighting the teamwork of his collaborators. "This award is for everyone who has accompanied me on this trip, not just for me. We all deserve this recognition, from the May 9 Disaster team to those working to advance football and rugby in Ghana and beyond.

He claims that his leadership has seen countless collaborators as Ghana Rugby has grown from humble beginnings to become a major participant on the continent, a fact that is fully recognized in the citation that goes with his award.

"The path has led us from being disregarded to currently occupying roles such as President of Rugby Africa and member of the World Rugby Executive Board. It's about everyone who helped make that development, not just me.

Mr. Mensah also discussed his charitable endeavors, mentioning programs like the Hole in Heart Foundation, which he claimed had performed more than 100 children's heart surgeries that have changed their lives in just two years.

He added, "This award is also for those who made that possible, from doctors like Etsuah Mensah and his team to administrators like Erica Amoako."

King Edward, Sakut, and other longtime partners who have supported the May 9 Disaster efforts were thanked by him. "Charities like Aunty Mavis' work with the disabled and everyone who has joined us in changing lives are also recognized."

"There are amazing people in Ghana who are frequently overlooked due to a lack of resources or connections. This must be altered. Ordinary people, such as nurses, teachers, and firefighters, are honored for their ability to change communities abroad. Ghana may use this strategy to encourage more individuals to change the world.

"Many years ago, I accepted a similar honor on behalf of my late father," Mr. Mensah said, reflecting on the award's familial importance. It is quite meaningful for me to now accept the Order of the Volta myself in front of my family, which includes my cousin Professor Nyarko and my sister Barbara Mensah, a pioneering judge.

Mr. Mensah conveyed his appreciation to the President and the Ghanaian government for acknowledging his efforts. "I am honored and appreciative, but this is about the lives we have affected together, not about me. This honor is proof of what we can accomplish as a team when we work for transformation and greatness.

The citation that accompanied his prize is seen below.

As a trailblazer in sports administration, corporate innovation, and humanitarian work, you have demonstrated unprecedented passion, vision, and service during your distinguished three-decade career. Your contributions to national development are unmatched. Generations have been inspired and lives have been impacted by your influence.

Your time as Asante Kotoko Sporting Club chairman was revolutionary. You revolutionized sports administration in Ghana with your imaginative leadership, bringing in cutting-edge management techniques, discipline, and a winning mindset. In addition to improving the club's reputation, your work established a standard for professionalism in Ghanaian sports. A heritage that inspires brilliance to this day.

Since you were elected President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) in 2014, you have had a major impact on Ghana rugby. You gave top priority to creating a strong infrastructure for rugby, starting with an extensive evaluation of the game's situation in Ghana and discussions with international stakeholders such as World Rugby and Rugby Africa. The first professionally managed Ghana Rugby Club Championship (GRCC) was established under your direction, and it served as a pillar for the club's 2017 full membership in World Rugby.

Ghana Rugby has accomplished incredible feats under your inspiring guidance, such as the Ghana Eagles' triumph in the Africa Men's 7S Championship and recognition in the Africa Rugby "Africa Cup West" competition. Due to your commitment to the sport's advancement, training programs, elite tournaments, corporate sponsorships, and campaigns like "get into rugby" to encourage women's participation have all been introduced. Acknowledged for your creative strategy, Ghana Rugby was named Rugby Africa's "Best Communication Strategy" winner in 2019. You were also elected to the Africa Rugby Executive Committee and served as Rugby Africa's President in 2023, promoting rugby as a means of excellence and development throughout the continent.

Your business endeavors, which have led the cellular phone sector in Africa, the Ghana Gateway Project, and other media outlets, have greatly promoted economic empowerment and innovation beyond sports. Your endeavors produced opportunities for innumerable people and made a significant impact on Ghana's economic environment. A dedication to a comprehensive approach to development is reflected in the continuous demonstration of a smooth integration of business and social responsibility.

Your humanitarian actions have brought relief and hope during times of national crisis. Deep compassion and strong resolve have been used to support disaster relief and the impoverished. In addition to reducing suffering, these initiatives have fostered a culture of generosity and shared accountability.

You are honored as a leader, mentor, and patriot, Mr. Herbert Amponsah Mensah, whose example of greatness, tenacity, and selfless devotion endures. The people of Ghana acknowledge your outstanding accomplishments and legacy as a source of inspiration and pride.

Deep appreciation and respect are given to you on this special occasion, under the illustrious direction of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana. Your efforts are recognized as a lasting example of the transformational potential of foresight and commitment.