Dr. Ishmeal Yamson, the MTN Ghana Board Chairman, was honoured with a citation by the Achimota Golf Club last Saturday during the 30th CEO Invitational Tournament.
The MTN 30th Anniversary Tournament brought together over 120 golfers, corporate executives and business leaders to celebrate three decades of operations and contribution to the country’s digital transformation.
Naval Captain Kwadjo Butah also received an award for long service at the Club.
In an inspiring speech at the event, 84-year-old Dr. Yamson said MTN’s 30-year journey had been shaped by resilience, consistency and its ability to learn and recover from challenges.
“Success comes from something deeper. It comes from consistency. It comes from judgment, from learning from mistakes, from recovering when things do not go according to plan, and, perhaps most importantly, from staying the course,” he said.
Using golf as a metaphor for MTN Ghana’s journey, he described the company’s first three decades as an “extraordinary front nine” characterised by connecting communities, empowering businesses, expanding financial inclusion and supporting Ghana’s digital transformation.
He stressed, however, that the journey was far from over, with the company now turning its attention to what he described as its “back nine.”
“Our back nine is already before us, bringing new opportunities and challenges, nationwide fibre expansion, the promise of 5G, artificial intelligence, greater innovation and a deeper, more sustainable partnership with the communities we serve,” he said.
He reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to expanding connectivity and digital opportunities, particularly for Ghanaians who remain underserved.
The company, he added, would approach its next phase with the same discipline, resilience and integrity that had underpinned its growth over the past three decades.
President of the Achimota Golf Club, Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, commended MTN Ghana for its contribution to Ghana’s digital development, stressing the importance of trust and partnerships to the company’s success.
“Technology can connect devices. Networks can connect places. But ultimately, it is trust and relationships that connect people,” he said.
The 18-hole invitational tournament provided a platform for golfers, corporate leaders and business executives to compete, network and celebrate MTN Ghana’s 30-year journey.
Beyond the competition on the course, the event highlighted the company’s evolution over the past three decades and its ambitions for the next phase of Ghana’s digital transformation.
Frederick Semenu Duvor produced an impressive performance to win the Men’s Group A category, topping the category with 39 points, beating Isaac Asante and Kwame Boafo, who both returned 37 points to finish second and third, respectively.
In the Ladies’ Group A, Julienne Afi Amezado won with 39 points, while Princess Nkansah-Boadu and Mary Agyeman Prempeh followed with 35 points each.
Yaw Mireku Jnr. delivered one of the tournament’s standout scores, recording 45 points to claim the Men’s Group B title. Frederick Andre Feraille placed second with 41 points, while Nathan Lee-Williams Annobi finished third with 39 points.
Kous Louanges Mang won the Ladies’ Group B category with 38 points. In Men’s Group C, Kofi Mangesi secured the title with 40 points after edging Derrick Morgan on countback, while Kwadwo Appietu-Ankrah placed third with 32 points.
Elorm R. Akuash Bonney dominated the Ladies’ Group C category with 42 points, ahead of Berlinda Boateng on 38 points and Afi Yayra Dunyo on 35 points.
In the Seniors Division, Jan Vogel won the men’s category with 39 gross, while Helen Appah topped the ladies’ category with 44 gross.
Simran Oberoi took the men’s Boobie Prize with 22 gross, while Christine Fuller claimed the ladies’ prize with 26 gross.
The auxiliary honours went to Rickie Hurtubise and Berlinda Dzifa Boateng, who won the Men’s and Ladies’ Longest Drive respectively on Hole 17.
Dennis Addo and Mary Agyeman Prempeh took the Men’s and Ladies’ Closest to the Pin honours respectively on Hole 18.
The Adaha Band and DJ Juicy entertained guests and patrons at the event.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
