Apostle General of Royal House Chapel, Reverend Sam Korankye Ankrah is the latest high profile personality to speak highly of former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah.
He described the ex Juventus man’s leadership style as one of a kind which took Ghana’s football to greater heights.
The reverend minister, who hosted Appiah at his plush Sakaman residence in Accra on Tuesday, commended the football icon for bringing unity in the Black Stars camp which trickled down to the entire nation.
As a result, he pledged to use Appiah’s testimonial match scheduled for June 27 at the Accra Stadium as a test case to right the perception that Ghanaians do not honour their heroes.
He called on his colleagues (clergymen), politicians, chiefs and corporate Ghana to rally behind organizers of the event, Primeval Media, to give Appiah a befitting testimonial game.
“Appiah served the country with his whole heart, and we must use his testimonial match – the fundraising and the game itself on June 27- to correct the impression that Ghana does not honour its heroes.
“Having pastored him (Appiah) for some years, I have realized how dedicated, humble and focused he is, that was why his reign as captain of the Black Stars witnessed peace and put Ghana’s name on top.
“He and his colleagues succeeded in uniting us as a people. Anytime the Black Stars played, it brought us together as a people. Honouring him well will urge others to serve this country with dedication and sincerity like he did. I can see him wear the collar one day, watch out,” he added.
Earlier, Appiah had said, “Papa, I am here to ask for your blessings and to officially invite you for my testimonial match. I want to also thank you so very much for your wise counsel during my playing days and when I decided to hang my boots.”
Already, Appiah has thrown official invitations to dignitaries and statesmen like ex-presidents John Rawlings and John Kuffuor, Nii Ayibonte and the Osu Mantse.
The event, which is expected to draw players of international repute to the Accra stadium, will be preceded by a fundraising gala at the Banquet Hall of the State House on June 26.
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