"We will help you search and find talents" – King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II to NFL delegation

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has pledged his support to the National Football League (NFL) in scouting and developing Ghanaian athletes for the 2028 Olympics.

He assured the NFL delegation from the United States that the Ga State is ready to collaborate with them in identifying and nurturing local talent for international competition.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II made these remarks while addressing the NFL players’ delegation at his palace on Friday during a courtesy call.

The delegation, led by Dominic Asamoah Mensah, is in Ghana to scout for flag football talent and offer young athletes a pathway to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I welcome you to this palace, putting the songs of our traditional customs. Today, I see strongmen ably built for the world ahead. It encourages me to know that you want to have this knowledge transferred to the youth of Ga State and also of Ghana, to be able to learn this football and may even be able to compete with the whole group in 2028,” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stated.

He expressed the Ga State's willingness to work closely with the NFL to identify the right talent and ensure they meet the necessary standards to succeed on the global stage.

“We are ready to collaborate with you. We are ready to meet with you or to have a team meet with you and help you search and find the talents that possess the needed specific requirements to be part of those things, to learn those things, to be trained into those things. And then, we can go on from there,” he added.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also emphasized the cultural connection between Accra and Kumasi, highlighting the unity between the Ga and Ashanti people.

“I hear that some of you even spoke in Twi. Are you Ashanti? So, you are home because whether you are in Kumasi or you are in Accra, you are still home. The Ashantis are our brother. So, together we make Ghana. It’s good to have you. Always know that you have a home here. Our doors are always open to you,” he said.

The NFL delegation is set to hold a scouting camp at the Rugby Park at the University of Ghana on Saturday, where athletes from across the country will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the national team for the 2028 Olympics.

On his part, Dominic Asamoah Mensah, leader of the National Football League (NFL) players delegation from the United States expressed gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, for his warm reception and support as the delegation prepares to scout Ghanaian athletes for the 2028 Olympics.

He stated that the delegation is in Ghana to seek guidance and support as they work to provide Ghanaian athletes with a pathway to compete in national flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"We want to say first and foremost thank you for inviting us to your palace and greeting us with grace. We are coming from the United States, somewhere here in Accra, on behalf of the NFL, which is the National Football League. We are coming to ask for not only guidance but also a passage to at least help the Ghanaian athletes here play national flag football," he said.

He revealed that the NFL has secured an Olympic bid, which offers Ghanaian athletes the opportunity to compete at the 2028 Olympics, depending on their performance and progress in upcoming programs.

Mr. Mensah announced that the delegation will hold a scouting camp and program at the Rugby Park at the University of Ghana on Saturday.

The event will bring together aspiring athletes from Accra, Kumasi, and other parts of the country to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the national team for the 2028 Olympics.

"We have had the opportunity at an NFL bid, an Olympic bid, and with that being said, with our progress and how well we compete, we have an opportunity to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics," he added.

He expressed appreciation to the Ga Mantse for his time and support.

"We are mostly appreciative and thankful for your time today on behalf of myself and everybody that's with me from America and Accra," he said.

The upcoming camp is expected to generate excitement among Ghanaian athletes and sports enthusiasts as the NFL delegation aims to uncover and develop top-tier flag football talent from Ghana.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith