The Ministry of Youth and Sports recently shed light on the allocation of the $20,000 reward promised to boxer Samuel Takyi by President Akufo-Addo. Contrary to expectations, a portion of this sum is earmarked for his personal development rather than an immediate cash disbursement. Takyi, who made headlines after his remarkable bronze win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, effectively ending Ghana’s nearly three-decade Olympic medal drought, has requested the entire $20,000 be paid prior to his participation in the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Samuel Takyi’s Request for the $20,000 Promise Upon Winning Olympic Bronzehttps://t.co/Idf45aKuso
— Blinkscoop Official (@Blinkscoop1) September 5, 2023
In recognition of his achievement, President Akufo-Addo rewarded him with a car and $30,000, with $10,000 provided in cash and the remaining $20,000 designated for his career development fund. Fast forward two years, and Takyi is now pressing for the release of the remaining $20,000 before committing to the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.
However, the Sports Ministry has responded to Takyi’s request by clarifying that $10,000 of the $20,000 has already been disbursed to him, while the remaining $10,000 is reserved for his personal growth.
For your information please pic.twitter.com/orUnF5kvVS
— Ministry of Youth & Sports (@moysgovgh) September 4, 2023
The Ministry’s statement outlined the plan for disbursement, stating, “This means that out of the $20,000.00 intended for his personal development, a balance of $10,000 is now available to him upon presentation of a well-structured personal development plan.”
The Ministry expressed the belief that this approach not only secures Mr. Takyi’s future as a promising athlete but also establishes a meaningful precedent for responsible resource allocation to support the development of young talents across various sports disciplines. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering athletes remains steadfast.
It’s worth noting that the $10,000 balance will only be released for its intended purpose and cited the challenges faced by athletes who lack long-term support. The Ministry emphasized its dedication to providing support and resources to help athletes excel and create a foundation for a successful career. They anticipate witnessing Takyi’s continued achievements on the international stage.
In the meantime, Ghana’s boxing team, known as the Black Bombers, has been diligently preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal. The team’s dedication and hard work continue to shine as they strive for success on the global stage.
