Herbert Mensah - Afrikan Heroes

Sports Writers Honors Rugby Africa President

January 20, 2024

Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa

Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) awards the President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby in Africa, Herbert Mensah, for his exemplary leadership skills and quality contributions to the development of rugby in Africa. Mr. Mensah was given a meritorious award at the 48th edition of the Nguvu SWAG Awards night at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, January 12, 2024.

He was given a plaque and a citation read on for him stated that; “Herbert Mensah’s transformative leadership and relentless dedication to promoting and developing rugby in Ghana and Africa has been commendable.”

“His visionary approach, strategic initiatives, and commitment to fostering grassroots development have propelled the Ghana Rugby Football Union and Rugby Africa to new heights, fostering growth, and inspiring a new generation of rugby enthusiasts and athletes.

SWAG congratulates you on your elevation as President of Rugby Africa and bestows on you a Meritorious Award.”

Mr.Mensah’s award was received on his behalf by Union Board Member, President of Northern Rugby Association, Get into Rugby Manager, Educator, Rafiatu Inusah.

“As President of Rugby Africa, I am truly humbled and honored to receive this prestigious meritorious award by the Ghana Sports Writers Association. This recognition reflects not only my personal commitment to the development of rugby in Africa but the collective efforts of those remarkable sportsmen and women who are dedicated to instilling positive change and embracing the global standards of the sport,” stated Mensah. “Thank you for this acknowledgement, which only fuels my mission in advancing the growth of the game in Africa. Furthermore, I continue to emphasize the business potential of rugby in Africa. Together as a united force, we will elevate the standards of rugby in Africa and unlock the vast economic opportunities of the sports industry.”

The SWAG Awards is an occasion and event to celebrate sports excellence, it is the longest running award scheme in Ghana that rewards top performing Sports Men and Women consistently since 1975. The organization also recognizes the efforts of persons involved in Sports development including Administrators, Managers, Coaches, Referees, Corporate bodies, and other stakeholders in sports.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Africa Must Invest in Rugby or Outsiders Would Own What is Ours – Herbert Mensah

November 28, 2023

Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, has warned that there is need for Africa to invest more in the sports. Speaking on why that should be the case, Mr. Mensah said that “The best athletes in the world are from Africa, whether they are playing for France or for England or for whoever, you find so many Africans, and I think it sends the message that we are the best. If we get the right investment, we can show consistently that we are world-beaters.

Africa has already shown they have the greatest sportsman go to the NBA people of African extract UFC is it in Ngannou is it Usman it goes on and on if it is from the UFC, is it boxing, I don’t have to speak, is it a long distance runners, go to East Africa, it will be a Kenyan, a Somalian, an Ethiopian, a Ugandan, who will win at the Olympics this year, if it is football, I’ve already explained, so Africa has what the rest of the world does not have. My point is that we need to get the investment into Africa now.

If you don’t invest now you will find somebody from Europe from America from China coming to own what is yours. It will be like God gave you the gold but you don’t have the gold Refinery, you have the Coco but you have no Chocolate Factory, you have the oil but not the best oil refineries.

Talking about investment, World Rugby pays up to $5 billion to each European rugby nation to promote the sport, while the entire African continent received just $2.5 million (for 39 countries), which limits the promotion of the sport on the continent. But the price of an air ticket from Dakar to Madagascar is maybe 1,500 dollar, in Europe from Rome to London, Paris to London, maybe 60 dollar…”.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Elected as President of Rugby Africa

March 18, 2023

Herbert Mensah has been elected as the new President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the governing body of Rugby in Africa, following the conclusion of the Rugby Africa Executive Committee Elections held on 18th March 2023. Herbert Mensah, who is known for his passion for the sport and his extensive experience in sports administration, will lead the continent’s rugby governing body in the next four years.

Video B-roll is available for media to download here: https://apo-opa.info/42k9meq

In his acceptance speech, Herbert Mensah reiterated his passionate vision for the growth of African Rugby. He highlighted that his priority would be to continue the work he has already begun, helping rugby progress and grow not just in Africa, but globally. Mensah emphasized his business experience and stated that he would apply it to Rugby Africa, to generate revenues and development opportunities for all member associations.

Mensah said, “As we embark on this journey, I want us to project rugby as an alternative team sport, gain financial independence and improve the World Rugby Elite Program. My aim is to make Rugby Africa the gold standard for sports administration in the African continent.”

Rugby fans across the continent would be delighted by Mensah’s vision, which aims to raise the level of African rugby internationally. Mensah added, “My vision for the next four years is to foster an all-inclusive competition framework that will provide members equal opportunities to grow and develop. I am also determined to build a positive and strong brand for Rugby Africa, expand the women’s rugby program, and provide a national stadium for each member association.”

Herbert Mensah is a well-known figure in Ghanaian and international sports administration. He has been a driving force for the development and growth of Rugby in Ghana, and his contribution to the sport’s progress in the sub-Saharan region has been significant.

Mensah’s vast experience in sports administration and leadership, coupled with his passion for rugby, positions him well to lead Rugby Africa through its next phase of growth and development. Under his leadership, we can expect to see more investment in rugby development programs, increased participation of African nations in international tournaments, and greater visibility of rugby in mainstream media.

With Mensah at the helm, Rugby Africa is poised for growth and development, and his team’s collective experience and vision for African rugby bodes well for the continent.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry