Ghana’s President Mahama invites Asafa Powell to inspire young Ghanaian athletes

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has invited Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell to help inspire the next generation of athletes in the West African nation.

The personal invitation came during Mahama’s four-day state visit to Jamaica, while he was touring Seville Heritage Park in St Ann.

“We will invite him as a special guest to come and inspire our young people,” Mahama said.

He said the proposed visit formed part of a broader effort to deepen people-to-people ties through sport, youth development and cultural exchange, alongside growing trade and tourism links.

Family connection

Powell already has a strong personal connection to Ghana. His wife, Alyshia Miller-Powell, is of Ghanaian heritage, and she joined Mahama during his visit to the heritage site.

Sprint pioneer

Powell, a two-time 100 metres world record holder and one of Jamaica’s most decorated sprinters, is widely credited with ushering in Jamaica’s modern era of sprint dominance before the rise of Usain Bolt.

He ran under 10 seconds in the 100 metres more than 100 times, with a personal best of 9.72 seconds.

Since retiring in 2022, Powell has increasingly focused on youth mentorship, coaching and sports development.

Sporting diplomacy

Sport has become an important pillar of relations between Jamaica and Ghana, both of which have proud athletic traditions.

For Ghana, bringing one of sprinting’s great figures to meet young athletes is expected to motivate aspiring competitors. For Jamaica, the invitation highlights the global influence of its athletes long after their careers end.

If finalised, the visit would further reinforce the bond between Jamaica and Ghana and the role of sport in connecting Africa and the Caribbean.