Additional Files From Citi Sports
Dave Harper, the dynamic president and CEO of GTS Drilling, a leading mining and exploratory firm in Ghana, has issued a clarion call to the corporate sector to step up and revolutionize sports development in the country, with a particular focus on tennis. Speaking at a high-profile breakfast meeting at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel last Tuesday, Harper challenged businesses to move beyond token gestures and embrace sports as a core pillar of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
The event marked the culmination of the transformative “Africa: Elevating Ghana Tennis” clinic, a four-day program spearheaded by former United States Tennis Association (USTA) president and renowned tennis coach Katrina Adams. Organized by the Africa10 Foundation, the clinic showcased the untapped potential of tennis to inspire and empower Ghanaian youth.
“Investment in sports is not just philanthropy; it’s a rewarding venture that drives social and economic progress,” Harper declared. “Businesses must stop treating sports as an afterthought. Providing a token sum and stepping back isn’t enough. We need to be passionate, get involved, and actively shape how sports are organized and developed in Ghana.”
Harper’s remarks come at a critical juncture for Ghanaian sports, which has long relied on limited government funding. He urged corporate leaders to look beyond state support, emphasizing that the government’s resources are stretched thin. “We must forget about waiting for the government to develop sports in Ghana,” he said. “The corporate world has the power and responsibility to drive this change. Attend sports programs, sponsor events, and participate actively—let’s make sports a national priority.”
The “Africa: Elevating Ghana Tennis” clinic, sponsored in part by GTS Drilling and Interplast Ghana, was a resounding success, drawing young athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts from across the region. Shanthi Annan, president and CEO of the Africa10 Foundation, lauded Harper’s commitment to the initiative. “Tennis has the potential to create jobs, inspire youth, and generate significant revenue for Ghana,” Annan said. “We are deeply grateful for Mr. Harper’s support and call on other corporate entities to join this movement.”
Katrina Adams, the clinic’s lead facilitator, echoed Annan’s sentiments, praising Harper and Interplast Ghana for their contributions. “This clinic is just the beginning,” Adams said. “With sustained corporate backing, Ghana can become a powerhouse in African tennis, nurturing talent that competes on the global stage.”
Harper’s vision extends beyond tennis, positioning sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic growth. Industry analysts estimate that strategic investments in sports infrastructure and training could create thousands of jobs and boost Ghana’s tourism and entertainment sectors. With its global appeal, tennis offers a unique opportunity to elevate Ghana’s international profile while fostering discipline and resilience among young athletes.
As Ghana looks to diversify its economy, Harper’s call to action could not be timelier.
“Sports is not just about competition; it’s about building a brighter future for our youth and our nation,” he concluded. The corporate world now faces a pivotal choice: remain on the sidelines or step onto the court to shape Ghana’s sporting destiny.
Story By: Kwame Lawerh
