By Theophilus Sampah
Accra, 14 July 2025
Belgium star winger Jeremy Baffour Doku paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, to reaffirm his Ghanaian roots and outline plans to support local charitable and sporting causes during his offseason stay.
Doku – accompanied by his father, Mr Davies Doku, and other family members – said the visit was primarily “to introduce myself formally to the Ministry and express gratitude for the support Ghanaians have shown throughout my career.”
“I cannot shine unless people put me on,” the 23yearold Manchester City attacker told the Minister. “I am proud of my Ghanaian heritage, I speak Twi, and I plan to return home more often to give back.”
The Minister welcomed the family, describing Doku as a global ambassador for Ghanaian excellence.
“Ghana may not field you in our national jersey, but every time you step on the pitch Ghana is mentioned,” Hon. Adams said. “Your discipline and humility on and off the field make you a powerful role model for our youth. The Ministry stands ready to support any initiative you pursue here.”
The Minister also acknowledged that the visit served as a wakeup call for talent identification structures in Ghana.
“Sometimes we blame ourselves for not tracking such gifted youngsters early enough,” he conceded. “Your success reminds us to nurture every budding athlete at home.”
The Delegation representative Lady Dentaa noted that the player has already undertaken quiet charity visits to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Achimota Hospital and intends to expand his philanthropic footprint across Ghana in future offseasons.
The brief engagement ended with an exchange of souvenirs and an invitation for Doku to attend upcoming youth football clinics organised by the Ministry. Both parties expressed confidence that the collaboration would inspire Ghana’s next generation of athletes.
