It’s often said a country that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for.
The aforementioned adage often comes in mind whenever a national hero or heroine is celebrated or honored by their country.
In Ghana people from all walks of life ranging from Politics, Academics and Sports among others are celebrated.
Sports heroes and heroines are celebrated in the country with most having their names named after national monuments.
The likes of Robert Mensah, Azumah Nelson, Baba Yara have all had their names named after national stadiums due to the outstanding roles they played in the country’s sports.
Ohene Djan is a name which needs no introduction in Ghana Sports considering his amazing role he played in Ghana Sports.
Per his achievements , his name was named after the Accra Sports Stadium, in 2008 by former president John Agyeakum Kuffour.
In 2011 agitated group of the Ga state indicated that Ohene Djan was not an indigene of the Ga land hence does not merit to have his name on such monument in the GA lanad, eventually the name was changed to Accra Sports Stadium.
On Thursday June 4th 2020 the sports desk of Angel Fm Accra intercepted a report that the family members of the late Ohene Djan are grieved as to how their ancestors’ name was taken off from the Accra Sports Stadium, and such act is a disgrace on the renowned family.
Speaking to Saddick Adams on Angel FM the Aburi Manhene, Otubuo Nana Djan Kwasi II said he is disappointed because his uncle’s name has been painted black.
He also noted that , the Akuapem people can react to the incident very well but they are calm and waiting patiently and will react one day.
He further added that Otobuo and the Ashanti kingdom could have also rejected the naming of Baba Yara Sports Stadium since, Yara was not an indigene of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otubour Gyan Kwasi called on Nana Addo to solve the change for peace prevail.
“Ohene Djan is my uncle and in fact the land which the stadium is located on is not for the Gas it belongs to us. We want to let the Ga Traditional Council know that it’s not as if the Akuapems cannot talk but the right time will come.
“We know what went into the naming of Ohene Djan stadium. He did well for Ghana.
“Kumasi Stadium was named after Baba Yara. The Asantehene could have rejected the naming because Baba Yara was not an Ashanti and there are several Ashantis who have also done good for Sports which the stadium could be named after. But it is even Ashantis who promoted Baba Yara so why was my Uncle’s name removed. We the family feel embarrassed and disappointed.
“We are patiently waiting to see what the government will do but I must say former President Kuffour did his best by naming the stadium after Ohene Gyan. Nana Addo has been in office for four years now so we are calling on him to look into this matter or we will come out at the right time,” he said.
Source: Ghana | Angelfmonlinegh.com | Isaac Ansah Apagya
