Herbert Mensah honoured at National Honours and Awards 2024

On Monday, December 30, the Accra International Conference Centre became a beacon of recognition and celebration as Ghana’s National Honours and Awards ceremony acknowledged the immense contributions of distinguished individuals to the nation’s progress. Among those honored was Herbert Mensah, the renowned businessman, philanthropist, and sports administrator, who received high praise for his transformative impact on sports development and philanthropy in Ghana and across Africa.

The ceremony, presided over by Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is designed to honor individuals whose unwavering commitment has significantly advanced the country’s growth. Herbert Mensah was celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to sports, business, and social causes, with his leadership spanning over three decades of innovation and service.

Currently serving as the President of Rugby Africa and as an Executive Board Member of World Rugby, Mensah’s influence in the world of sports is immeasurable. His visionary leadership in rugby, both in Ghana and across Africa, has played a crucial role in the sport’s growth and development. Under his leadership, rugby in Ghana has gained recognition on the world stage, with Mensah playing an instrumental part in the establishment of rugby as a competitive force within the African continent.

Herbert Mensah’s sports career is not limited to rugby alone. He is also widely recognized for his transformative role as Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, one of the most beloved and successful football clubs in Ghana. Mensah’s tenure at Kotoko was marked by efforts to rebuild the club’s legacy, leading it through periods of restructuring and resurgence.

Beyond the pitch, Mensah’s influence extends to the corporate world. A graduate of the University of Sussex, UK, he forged significant inroads into Africa’s burgeoning telecommunications industry, helping to introduce and popularize cellular phone usage on the continent through partnerships with brands such as Motorola and Nokia. His work in telecommunications remains a testament to his forward-thinking approach, enabling the spread of connectivity in regions that were previously underserved.

Yet it is his philanthropy that has truly cemented Herbert Mensah as a beloved figure in Ghanaian society. He has been the driving force behind the May 9th Foundation, which continues to support victims and families affected by the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster, a tragedy that left a lasting scar on the country. Additionally, through the Shen Yang & Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation, Mensah has dedicated his time, resources, and energy to providing life-saving medical care to children in need.

Mensah’s dedication to giving back extends to his advocacy for youth empowerment, with a special focus on harnessing the power of sports as a tool for development. He believes in the potential of sports to uplift young people, instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that transcend the field of play. His vision of regional cooperation through sports has fostered closer ties across African nations, contributing to a united, stronger continent.

Herbert Mensah’s leadership has always been driven by a deep sense of purpose. His achievements in business, sports, and philanthropy reflect his commitment to improving the lives of others, whether through the power of sport or through sustainable social initiatives. His award at the National Honours and Awards is a well-deserved recognition of his life’s work and the positive impact he has made on the world.

As he accepted his honor, Mensah’s message was clear: leadership is not just about personal success but about using one’s position and influence to uplift others. His example continues to inspire future generations of Ghanaians and Africans who seek to make a lasting difference, showing that true leadership goes hand in hand with service, innovation, and compassion.