Amponfi Jnr Hands Over

Amponfi Jnr Hands Over As Secretary General Of
The Ghana Table Tennis Association

In accordance with the demands of the recent (31st May, 2010) reshuffle of Secretaries General of National Sporting Associations of Ghana by the Management of the National Sports Council, I, KWAME AMPONFI JNR, with effect from 2nd June, 2010, have handed over the administration of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to Mrs. Gifty Horsu Fianu, while I proceed to assume full responsibility of the administration of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) as Secretary General.

Mrs. Gifty Horsu Fianu whose signature appears at the end of this note, has accordingly taken charge of the administration of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) from 2nd June 2010.

I wish to seize this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks and profound appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council, Ghana, for the singular honour offered me to serve our Nation as Secretary General of the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) for Four (4) years, and also to the entire Management and Staff of the Council, GTTA Chief Coach, Mr. Owusu Ansah and his Technical Team, as well as the GTTA Executive Committee, the playing body and last but not least the Ghanaian media for their support and affection.

I consequently oblige to present below my handing-over notes:

DURATION OF STEWARDSHIP (31st January, 2007 to 2nd June, 2010)
I was posted by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council from the Association of Sports for the Disabled to the Ghana Table Tennis Association in January, 2007 to swap positions with Mr. Dennis Armah as the Secretary General of the Association. The Executive Committee in place then comprised the following:
1. Sqdn Ldr (Rtd) Ebo Bartels - Chairman
2. Mr. Kwabena Yeboah - Vice Chairman
3. Mrs. Elizabeth Quarmyne - Member
4. Mr. Michael Justice Appiah - Member
5. Mrs. Ethel Jacks Okine - Member
6. Mr. J.A. Biney - Member
7. Mr. William Thompson - Member
8. Mr. Dennis Armah - Secretary General

The above Executive Committee Members, excluding Mr. Armah were re-appointed in 2008 and in 2010 but in 2010, three other Executive Members, Mr. Thomas Kwenyefo, Mr. Lanyo Frank and Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu were added to the list of appointees whiles Mrs. Elizabeth Quarmyne and Mr. William Thompson lost their membership.


On 21st May, 2010, GTTA, acting on the orders of the Sports Council, went to Congress and for the first time in the history of the Association, elected these present Executive Committee Members:

1. Chairman : Rev. Richmond Quarcoo
2. Vice Chairman : Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu
3. Treasurer : Mr. Isaac Osei
4. Technical Director : Dr. Patrick B. Akuffo
5. National Women’s Programme Coordinator-:Ms. Esther Obereki Lamptey
6. Secretary General : Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr(Sports Council Appointee)
7. Chief Coach : Mr. Anthony Owusu Ansah(Sports Council Appointee)


MODEST GAINS, CHALLENGES AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
The write-up below shows the summary of work done from 2007 to June 2, 2010, the challenges and what needs to be done:

MODEST GAINS (2007-2ND JUNE, 2010)
A. PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
i. Profiled some table tennis stars, past and present in the media.
ii. Used table tennis celebrities in the promotion of the sport.
iii. Made press releases on all programmes of the Association(Local and International)
iv. Granted live Radio and Television Interviews on all programmes.

B(I) DEVELOPMENT
Several developmental projects were undertaken during the period under review and they include the following:

i. The Association, acting through the Greater Accra Directorate of the Ghana Education Service commissioned Coach Lokko and Robert Amartey to undertake school to school Table Tennis skills training in Greater Accra Region and the gains have been impressive.

ii. The GTTA, in collaboration with the Central Regional Sports Council, on Friday, 10th July, 2009 launched the first GTTA pilot school project at Twifo Praso Senior High School in the Central Region.
There is revival in the growth of the Sport in that school and those around it. Hopefully, the forest belt of the Region (Denkyira and Assin) could soon be captured for Pin-pong.

iii. The Association, acting through its Chief Coach, Mr. Anthony Owusu Ansah organized coaching clinic for 46 P.E Teachers in Eastern Region at Koforidua in February, 2008.

iv. The GTTA Successfully executed the table tennis aspect of the Sports Council and Australia Sports Outreach Program (Training of Trainers) first in Winneba from 18th – 22nd June, 2008 and second in Essipon, Sekondi, from 13th – 19th September, 2009.

v. National Model Team Weekend Training Camp- for the first time in its history, the Association initiated a project dubbed “National Model Teams Weekend Training Camp” where talented players scouted since 2007 were categorized according to their ages(Cadets U-15, Juniors U-18 and Seniors U-21+) to constitute National Nucleus Teams for continuous tactical and technical training. The program concept has enabled the Association to be proactive in the fields of talent scouting and quality coaching, leading to well groomed players for any International games and competitions. Indeed, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council, recommended the programme concept to all National Sports Associations.

vi. The GTTA, with the support of the National Sports Council and the Sports Ministry, succeeded to arrange with the Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) an International Table Tennis Training Tour for Samuel Akayade for three times in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Program took Akayade (a Sandema-born Northern Ghanaian) to Egypt, China, Sweden and Japan. Currently he is Africa’s number four (4) Cadet Player and also amongst the best in the world.

vii. The GTTA, collaborated with the GOC in 2009 to initiate Olympic Solidarity Scholarship Programme for Samuel Akayade. Due to the current GOC, and IOC impasse, the scholarship is still pending while GTTA and Mr. Mikael Andersson of the ITTF Education and Training Directorate keep pressing for alternative training scholarship in Sweden for Akayade.

B(II) DEVELOPMENT(EQUIPMENT)
i. In 2007, GTTA secured kitting from Tibhar Company in India for Team Table Tennis participation in the 9th All Africa Games held in Algiers.

ii. In 2008, GTTA sought from Africa Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Beginners Table Tennis Equipment: Rubbers, balls and Rubber Blades for Youth Development.

iii. The GTTA Secured ten (10) New Table Tennis Tables and accessories worth $10,000 from Mr. Patrick Chu, a Chinese Philanthropist for grass root development of the sport (in 2008).

iv. In 2009, GTTA petitioned the ITTF through ATTF for the restoration of ITTF Equipment supply to Ghana. The petition was granted and the equipment was shipped in May, 2010 and is expected to arrive in Ghana by June ending(Find details under the pending issues)



B(III) GTTA PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT, 2007-JUNE, 2010
i. For the first time in its over 55 years of existence, the Association successfully organised ITTF International Umpires Examination in Accra, first in March 2008 and Second in April, 2010.
As at June, 2010, Six (6) Ghanaian Table Tennis Officials have qualified to become ITTF certified International Umpires. They include:
a. Francis Frimpong – Holder of Diploma in Table Tennis Coaching from the University
of Education, Winneba.

b. Esther Obereki Lamptey- Police Officer with Diploma in Table Tennis Coaching from
the University of Education, Winneba

c. Afrifa Kyei Ephraim- Physical Education graduate from the University of Education,
Winneba.

d. Kwesi Koomson Andoh- National Sports Council Regional Table Tennis Coach,
Central Region.

e. Senyo Ahiaba- National Sports Council Honorary Regional Table Tennis Coach, Volta
Region.

f. Ebenezer Annang-Whyte – National Sports Council Regional Table Tennis Coach,
Eastern Region.

ii. In 2009, the GTTA, with support from the National Sports Council, presented Coach Esther Obereki Lamptey to participate in ITTF Basic Umpires Course in Abidjan, La Cote D’ivoire from 21st September-1st October, 2009. She qualified and was certificated as ITTF Basic Certified Umpire (24th September, 2009-date of her signed certificate)

iii. The GTTA successfully participated in the 2010 ITTF Young Umpires Project (Youth-0nline-International Umpires Course), February-March, 2010 towards officiating in the Singapore Youth Olympics. With candidates drawn from the whole world, GTTA’s candidate, Francis Frimpong was selected among the first twenty- three (23) and has since received invitations to officiate in International Youth Championships notably from Spain.



B(IV) INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND PROMOTIONS
(INTERNATIONAL BOARD ROOM SPORTS, 2007-JUNE 2, 2010)
i. In 2008 GTTA Chairman, Sqdn Ldr (Rtd) Ebo Bartels retained his membership on the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation Management Board and also got appointed as patron of the Africa Table Tennis Federation Zone III.

ii. GTTA Chief Coach, Mr. Anthony Owusu Ansah was elected Youth Coach of the Africa Table Tennis Federation Zone III for a renewable 4 year term (July 2008).

iii. GTTA Secretary General, Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr was elected Vice President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation Zone III for a renewable four (4) year term (July 2008).

iv. In May 2010, GTTA Chairman, Sqdn Ldr (Rtd) Ebo Bartels was elected one of Africa’s representative to the Board of Directors of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). His election took place at ATTF Meeting held on 26th May in Moscow – Russia during the 2010 ITTF World Table Tennis Championship and Annual General Meeting(23rd – 31st May, 2010).

C. AWARDS
i. Two National Players, Samuel Akayade and Akosua Ketu received SWAG National Best Players Awards for 2008.
ii. GTTA Chairman, Sqdn Ldr (Rtd) Ebo Bartels received SWAG National Best Chairman Award for 2008.
iii. GTTA Secretary General, Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr, received SWAG 2008 Special Award for his contribution towards the promotion and development of Table Tennis in Ghana.
iv. Two National Players, Derrick Abrefa and Cynthia Kwabi, were nominated by SWAG for the 2009 SWAG National Best Player Award ( Award Ceremony yet to be held hopefully in 2010)

D. LOCAL COMPETITIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Successfully organized both Traditional, State and private sponsored National Open Championships and Regional Invitational Championships throughout the year under review. The Table Tennis League was also revived in 2008. The numerous positive media reports about the sport locally attest to the work done during the season(2007-2010 June)


E. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Table Tennis has been one of the most vibrant sporting disciplines in our dear country, Ghana in recent times, particularly from 2008 to 2010, performing excellently at both local and international levels with incredible results.

In 2008, the Junior and Senior teams won 7 medals which included three (3) gold and one (1) silver at the zonal level and three (3) bronze at the Africa and World levels (2 at Africa and 1 at World level).

The medals were won in the following events: Congo Africa Seniors-November, 2008(Bronze- Women Team), Egypt Africa Juniors- April, 2008(Bronze-Cadets team), Sweden World (Cadets Championship-October 2008(Bronze- Team Africa including a Ghanaian, Samuel Akayade-Sandama Born Northern Ghanaian) and Cote D’Ivoire Africa Youth Championship-December, 2008(3 Gold & 1 Silver- Cadet and Juniors Singles and Team).

In 2009, the Junior and Senior Teams again won sixteen(16) medals, which included 8 Gold, 1 silver and 4 Bronze at the Zonal level, as well as 3 Bronze at Africa and World levels(2 at Africa and 1 at World).

The 2009 sixteen(16) medals emerged from the following events: Egypt Africa Juniors and Cadet – April, 2009(1 Bronze – Team), Cote D’Ivoire Africa Youth Championships – July, 2009(4 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze- Cadets and Juniors Singles and Team), Benin Africa Blaise Soglo Under-21 International Championship-August,2009 (4 Gold and 2 Bronze- Youth U-21 Singles and Team), Tokyo-Japan World Cadets Championships-October, 2009(Bronze-Team Africa including a Ghanaian, Samuel Akayade- Sandama Borne Northerner) and Egypt 1st African Youth Olympic Qualification Championship-November, 2009(Bronze- Cadets Singles).

In May 2010, Ghana placed 4th at the 2nd Edition of the Africa Youth Olympic Qualification Championship held in Cairo, Egypt. However, due to the fact that the quota for Africa in the Youth Olympics was 2 boys and 2 girls for cadets, Ghana narrowly missed participation.

Ghana’s ranking in table tennis for both Youth(Cadets and Juniors) and Seniors at the zonal, continental and world levels has shown appreciable growth during the period under review.

SUMMARY OF GTTA INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS RANKING AS AT 2ND JUNE, 2010
i. AFICA ZONE III (West Africa) - 1st (Singles and Team-Cadets, Juniors & Youth)
ii. AFRICA (Cadets) - 4th (Singles and Team)
iii. AFRICA (Seniors) - 6th (Men’s Team) and 4th(Women’s Team) -
courtesy results of last African Seniors Champs, Congo-Kinshasa)
iv. WORLD YOUTH(Cadets) - 274th (Singles)-Akayade

It is worth mentioning that during the year under review, Ghana’s Samuel Akayade qualified to join the Africa Cadet Team for two consecutive times for the World Cadet Championship (Sweden 2008 and Japan 2009).

Indeed, currently there is a standing team (National Model Team- for Cadets, Juniors and Seniors) formidable enough to compete and put up result-oriented performance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and at any major international games and championships.

It is therefore envisaged that, Ghana’s table tennis team would improve tremendously on its feat chalked from 2007 to date and that the future looks bright for Pin-pong in Ghana.

CHALLENGES
1. Late arrivals of letters of invitations for International competitions leading to delays in securing visas from Embassies as well as funds from Government and Sponsors for participation.
2. Inadequate provision of play facilities, materials and equipment from the GTTA, Government, International Federations and Sponsors, coupled with the expensive nature of the cost of few accessible standardized equipment and materials on the Ghanaian market.
3. Lack of basic material and financial support from most parents of national athletes, which normally put undue financial pressure on the Association and the National Sports Council particularly during short noticed International Invitations.
4. Inadequate functional Secretariat Staff and equipment which occasionally stretches the physical, mental and financial “energies” of the Secretary General and the Chief Coach.
5. The lack of “administrative Grant/Imprest” from the GTTA, Government and the International Federations for efficient day to day running of the Secretariat.

GTTA TRADITIONAL SPONSORS
1. Government of Ghana (National Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports)
2. Ghana Olympic Committee(GOC)
3. Africa Table Tennis Federation(ATTF)
4. International Table Tennis Federation(ITTF)
5. Chinese Embassy and Chinese Philanthropist(Mr. Patrick Chu)
6. Japanese Philanthropist (Mr. Hashizume Kinya, General Manager of Tokura Corporation, Accra)
7. Hathiramani Estate (Dr. Quaye and other Managers)
8. Akosombo Textiles Limited(ATL)- Mr. Walter Esposito
9. Tobinco Pharmaceutical
10. Mallas Ice Company (Mr. Samuel Kwabena Dei)
11. J. A. Biney and Co. Ltd (Mr. J.A. Biney)
12. Sqdn Ldr (Rtd) Ebo Bartels (Former Chairman –GTTA)

The above sponsors, though not exhaustive, give specific funds or equipment for specific projects/competitions and should still be relied upon for support.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

1. GHANA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND THE IOC OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY SCHOLARSHIP FOR SAMUEL AKAYADE(GHANA’S AFRICA NUMBER 4 CADET PLAYER)
This scholarship is still pending at the GOC and must be followed up.

2. ITTF EDUCATION AND TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP FOR SAMUEL AKAYADE IN SWEDEN
This programme is being arranged for Samuel Akayade by Mr. Mikael Andersson of the ITTF Education and Training Directorate and must be followed up urgently by GTTA for the benefit of our promising star.

3. 2009 SWAG AWARDS
Two National Table Tennis players, Derrick Abrefa and Cynthia Kwabi are to receive SWAG 2009 National Best Players Awards. SWAG should therefore be contacted for the date of the awards ceremony.

4. INTERNATIONAL ROLES OF OUTGOING SECRETARY GENERAL AND CHAIRMAN
The out-going Secretary General, Mr. Kwame Amponfi Jnr and the out-going Chairman, Sqdn Ldr(Rtd) Ebo Bartels are still Vice President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation Zone III and ITTF Board of Directors Member, respectively. The two officers would require continuous support from the GTTA, the Sports Council and the Sports Ministry to enable them end their tenure successfully as Ghanaians. GTTA is therefore encouraged to facilitate their needs from the Government (the Sports Council and the Sports Ministry).


5. INTEGRATION OF PARA TABLE TENNIS INTO GTTA’s ACTIVITIES
The National Paralympic Committee must be contacted by GTTA for modalities on the integration of Paratable tennis without further delays since it is a demand by the ITTF.

6. LAUNCHING OF THE ITTF HOPES PROJECT BY GTTA
The ITTF “Hopes Project (Under 12) Talent Hunt” should be quickly embraced by GTTA to produce players for the already existing under 15, 18, and Seniors (21+) teams.

7. THE ATTF/ITTF WOMEN PARTICIPATION INITIATIVE
GTTA should champion the women inclusion in competitions and sports leadership project of the ATTF/ITTF particularly with the recent election of GTTA National Womens Programme Coordinator. The ATTF and ITTF Women Working Group Directorate can be contacted for all necessary assistance.


8. FORMATION OF COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES PRESCRIBED BY THE NEW GTTA CONSTITUTION
It is advised that GTTA takes urgent steps to form all the ‘bodies’ prescribed by the new constitution to facilitate the speedy growth of Pin-pong in Ghana.

9. GTTA PLAYERS “AFTER CAREER PROJECT”
Since players cannot play competitive table tennis throughout their lives, it is advised that, GTTA uses its newly elected Executive Committee particularly, the Technical Director, Dr. Patrick Akuffo (Head of Department-Physical Education, University of Education, Winneba) to initiate career training and placement for our national athletes to guarantee permanent jobs for their future(after competitive table tennis).

10. PENDING TABLE TENNIS TV REALITY SHOW
The Association has entered into an agreement with Blazing Impact Consult(MOU copy on file) to support their initiated Table Tennis TV Reality Show which seeks to offer the under-stated benefits to GTTA, 4 Coaches and 5 eventual winners(Players). The MOU is currently under consideration by the Sports Council.

THE PROMISED PROGRAMME BENEFITS TO THE ASSOCIATION
i. GTTA- 18- Seater Bus
ii. 4 GTTA Coaches- GH¢3,000 each
iii. 5 eventual winning players – very attractive prizes

Suggested Prizes for 5 Winning Players
1st Prizes A salon Car + GH¢5,000 with souvenirs
2nd Prizes A living room furniture set + GH¢3000 with souvenirs
3rd Prizes A 32” TV Set + GH¢2000 with souvenirs
4th Prizes A laptop connected with internet and Souvenirs
5th Prizes A fully connected iPhone with souvenirs


Aside the above benefits to GTTA, privileged table tennis stars nationwide will be appearing on TV and winning other attractive prizes thereby promoting the sport in Ghana.

The current Executive Committee of the GTTA should pursue this project without further delay.

11. PENDING NATION-WIDE REGIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
This programme which was put together by the outgoing National Executive Members has been approved by the National Sports Council and the Sector Ministry with funds for immediate implementation. We hope that very soon every region in Ghana will witness a table tennis revival.

The current Executive Committee is therefore advised to liaise with the Sports Council Accounts Unit to plan the modalities for the prompt start of the Regional Championships.


12. PENDING NEW ITTF EQUIPMENT SHIPMENT TO GTTA
True to its words, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has granted the equipment request made by the outgoing GTTA Chairman and the Secretary General at the 2009 ITTF congress and has shipped the following table tennis equipment to GTTA which are to arrive by the end of June, 2010.

THE EQUIPMENT
A. 6 Table Tennis Tables(STAG)
B. 6 Wheels for Table Tennis Tables(STAG)
C. 6 Table Tennis Net Sets(Snap on ITTF approved)
D. 80 Table Tennis Rackets(STAG Peter Karlsson Training)
E. 8 Gross Table Tennis Balls(STAG 3 Star 40 mm)
F. 20 pieces T-Shirts(STAG-S-3,M-5,L-9,XL-2,XXL-1)
G. 6 Table Tennis Score Boards(STAG, A.B.S. with fluorescent numbers)

All the relevant documents on the shipment have been handed over to Mrs. Gifty Horsu Fianu, the in-coming Secretary General, and it is hoped the new equipment would be safely cleared from the Tema Port on arrival to add to the equipment stock of the Association.


13. PENDING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS (2010)

i. 28th June- 6th July – Africa Juniors and Cadets Championship – Brazaville, Congo
ii. 13th – 18th July, 2010, Mini Africa Youth Olympic Championship – Morocco
NB. The event is not for Singapore Youth Olympics. However, according to the ATTF President(Mr. Khalyd Sally) and Mr. Anderson of the ITTF, invitation for participation should be sought by the GTTA urgently from the ATTF so that Ghana(Samuel Akayade) can participate to qualify for World Junior Programmes in Sweden.
iii. 23rd – 27th July – 4th Edition – ATTF Zone III (Laurent Gbagbo Championship- Cote D’Ivoire)
iv. 11th – 16th August – Blaizes Soglo Memorial Championship- Cotonou, Benin
v. 21st – 26th August – 1st Youth Olympic Games – Singapore
vi. 3rd – 14th October - Commonwealth Games – Delhi, India
vii. 22nd – 28th November – African Seniors Championship – Cameroun


14. FUTURE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS – ATTF/ITTF (2011)
i. 6th- 12th April, Africa Juniors and Cadets Championship – Cape Town, South Africa
ii. 3rd Week in July – Africa Under 21 and Seniors Championship – Tunisia
iii. May 2011- ITTF World Championship and AGM, Rotterdam, Netherlands

15. FUTURE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS – ATTF/ITTF (2012)
i. 4th Week in March – 1st Week of April - Africa Juniors and Cadets – Angola
ii. Africa Seniors Championship – Egypt or Cote D’Ivoire
iii. 25TH March to 1st April, 2012- ITTF World Championship and AGM- Dortmund,Germany
GTTA OFFICE EQUIPMENT/ ASSETS
The list of the office equipment, furniture and general GTTA assets under the custody of the Secretary General is attached to this handing-over notes. Also attached is the list of statutes of GTTA (Past and Present), ITTF, ATTF, ATTF ZONE III, CTTF, as well as four special albums on GTTA National Model Team Weekend Training Camp, GTTA Pen Drive containing soft copies of all current documents, as well as programme photos.


GHANA TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION (GTTA) ACCOUNTS
1. The Association operates a savings account with the Ghana Commercial Bank (Ministries Branch).
The Account Number is 1051130008561.

2. The signatories to the account are the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Secretary General.
However, with the recent election of a Treasurer, making the person a signatory would not be a bad idea.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Once again, I wish to sincerely thank the Chief Executive of the National Sports Council, the Sports Ministry, the Management and Staff of the Sports Council, the Ghana Olympic Committee, GTTA Chief Coach, Mr. Anthony Owusu - Ansah and his Technical Team, GTTA Executive Committee GTTA playing body, the Ghanaian Media, ITTF, ATTF, CTTF, ATTF Zone III and the numerous individuals who made it possible for me to serve my country through Table Tennis Administration and Management.

I wish the present and future GTTA Secretaries General and Executive Committees very successful and rewarding experience in Pin-Pong Administration and Sports Management in general.

SIGNED SIGNED
From: KWAME AMPONFI JNR TO: MRS. GIFTY HORSU FIANU
OUT-GOING SECRETARY GENERAL IN-COMING SECRETARY GENERAL
2ND JUNE, 2010 2ND JUNE, 2010

Cc: Chief Executive, NSC
Chief Admin Officer, NSC
Chief Sports Dev. Officer, NSC
Human Resource Dept, NSC
Chairman, GTTA
Chief Coach, GTTA
Out-Going Chairman, GTTA
All GTTA Partners