Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has argued that Ghana’s boxing legends are more deserving of statues and monuments than outgoing President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo.
Speaking in Parliament during a commemorative discussion on the late Clement Ike Quartey, Nii Lante Vanderpuye highlighted the lack of recognition for boxing icons like Ike Quartey Sr., Eddie Blay, and Prince Amartey. He called for monuments to celebrate their contributions, noting that many of these athletes passed without significant tribute.
“These people passed without any serious notice. By this time, we should have monuments to remember the future generations of the exploits of Ike Quartey Sr., Eddie Blay, Prince Amartey, and the rest,” he said.
His comments follow the unveiling of a statue of President Akufo-Addo last month at the Effia Nkwanta Hospital roundabout in the Western Region, which has sparked widespread criticism.
Nii Lante Vanderpuye expressed a preference for Eddie Blay’s statue in the place of Akufo-Addo’s, suggesting that it would better inspire future generations. “I’d be happy if instead of the President’s statue at Effia-Nkwanta, we have Eddie Blay’s statue there to remind people from the Western Region of his boxing achievements,” he said.
Blay, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and Prince Amartey, a bronze medalist at the 1972 Summer Olympics, were both major figures in Ghana’s boxing history. Nii Lante Vanderpuye has long advocated for greater recognition of Ghana’s sports figures, especially in boxing.
Source:TheDotNews