By Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh
Since assuming office in March 2017, The Comptroller-General (CGI) Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), has revolutionized the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Sports Unit, transforming it into a powerhouse of athletic excellence.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GIS SPORTS UNIT FUND
A significant milestone under Takyi’s leadership was the creation of the GIS Sports Unit Fund. This innovative initiative provides dedicated support for sports-related activities, empowering the unit to achieve unprecedented success.
INTRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL
The GIS Giants, the men’s basketball team, was established under Takyi’s tenure, expanding the service’s sporting disciplines. The team’s impressive performance in the Accra Basketball League and the African Basketball Festival demonstrates their potential.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Immigration Ladies FC
The ladies team Secured sponsorship, acquired an apartment for civilians, and excelled in the Greater Accra Division One league.
Immigration FC
The Men’s team crowned champions in the 2023/24 GARFA Division two leagues and qualified for the middle league play-offs. The team had also qualified to the ongoing 2024/25 MTN FA round of 64 after a 2-0 away win over Dynamo FC at the Hospital Sports Stadium.
Volleyball Team
2017, Immigration Ladies Volleyball were League winners and champions of champions winners.
In 2018 they played in West Africa Zone B tournament and were second and in 2019 they won champions of champions trophy.
In just ended 2024 GAVA League, they put up outstanding performance in the League finishing second behind Ghana Air Force volleyball team and also placed 2nd in the 2024 GAVA Top 8 Championship.
Arm Wrestling Team
Won 12 medals at the 2023 African games.
Tennis Team
Won numerous medals.
HISTORY OF THE GIS SPORTS Unit
The Sports Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service begun with selected personnel of the Service and civilians engaging and competing in Sports activities on behalf of the Service at competitions and fun games.
It was not until the year 1998 that the Ghana Immigration Service recruited 10 professional athletes to go through paramilitary training. They were made up of sprinters, long distance runners and a javelin thrower. These athletes won many laurels and medals for the Service.
This moved management to form a Sports Unit to recruit new sports men who will compete in all the sports activities organized by the Ghana Sports Council and SESSA in 1995.
From ten sportsmen, the section can now boast of sportsmen (men/women) who compete in Volleyball, football, table tennis, athletics, Basketball and weightlifting.
CONCLUSION
Comptroller-General Lawyer Kwame Asuah Takyi’s visionary leadership has transformed the GIS Sports Unit into a symbol of excellence. His commitment to sports development has inspired a new generation of athletes, fostering teamwork, discipline, and national pride.
