Gospel artiste Grace Ashly took a moment to express her gratitude towards former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who once acknowledged her significant role in fostering a love for football among women in Ghana.
“I thank President Kufuor, as always. He told me I was the reason women passionately supported football in Ghana,” she recalled, reflecting on the moment he awarded her for her contributions through cheer songs that have become synonymous with the nation’s football culture.
Ashly’s journey into the realm of football anthems began in 2006, when she formed a dedicated team of six individuals who shared her passion for the sport. Together, they engaged in a ritual that might seem unusual to some but was vital to them.
“We would go away, embark on a dry fast, and pray earnestly for the team, the players, and even the GFA [Ghana Football Association] the moment I bring out a new song,” she explained.
This practice stemmed from a deep understanding of the spiritual and physical challenges that the Black Stars faced, not just on the field but from external forces that she believed sought to undermine their success.
“I know I was carrying that spirit [for their advantage],” Ashly asserted, underscoring her conviction that her songs served as a source of strength and motivation for the players. Her dedication went beyond mere entertainment; it was a labor of love intertwined with faith and community support.
Yet, in her candid reflections, Ashly also touched on the challenges of being a supporter and contributor whose efforts sometimes go unnoticed.
“When a helper is long overlooked and unappreciated, they cannot be faulted when they look on as something they once propped up begins to collapse,” she lamented.
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