MTN chairman Ishmael Yamson honoured at Achimota Golf Club invitational

MTN Ghana board chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson has been honoured by Achimota Golf Club during its 30th CEO Invitational Tournament, where he used golf to reflect on the company's three decades of growth and its ambitions for the future.

The 84-year-old received a citation at Saturday's event, which formed part of MTN Ghana's 30th anniversary celebrations and attracted more than 120 golfers, corporate executives and business leaders.

Naval Captain Kwadjo Butah was also recognised for his long service to the club.

In his address, Yamson said MTN's success had been built on resilience, consistency and the ability to recover from setbacks.

"Success comes from something deeper. It comes from consistency. It comes from judgment, from learning from mistakes, from recovering when things do not go according to plan, and, perhaps most importantly, from staying the course," he said.

Drawing parallels with golf, Yamson described MTN's first 30 years as an "extraordinary front nine", highlighting the company's role in connecting communities, supporting businesses, promoting financial inclusion and contributing to Ghana's digital transformation.

He said the telecommunications company was now focused on its "back nine", with priorities including nationwide fibre expansion, the rollout of 5G, artificial intelligence and deeper community partnerships.

"Our back nine is already before us, bringing new opportunities and challenges," he said.

Yamson added that MTN would continue expanding digital access, particularly for underserved communities, while maintaining the discipline and integrity that had driven its growth.

Achimota Golf Club president Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah praised MTN's contribution to Ghana's digital development, saying trust and strong relationships had been central to the company's success.

"Technology can connect devices. Networks can connect places. But ultimately, it is trust and relationships that connect people," he said.

Tournament winners

The 18-hole invitational combined competition with networking as participants marked MTN Ghana's milestone anniversary.

Frederick Semenu Duvor claimed the Men's Group A title with 39 points, finishing ahead of Isaac Asante and Kwame Boafo, who both scored 37 points.

Julienne Afi Amezado won the Ladies' Group A event with 39 points, while Princess Nkansah-Boadu and Mary Agyeman Prempeh shared second place on 35 points.

Yaw Mireku Jnr produced one of the day's standout performances with 45 points to win Men's Group B, ahead of Frederick Andre Feraille (41) and Nathan Lee-Williams Annobi (39).

Kous Louanges Mang secured the Ladies' Group B crown with 38 points.

Kofi Mangesi won Men's Group C with 40 points after edging Derrick Morgan on countback, while Kwadwo Appietu-Ankrah finished third with 32 points.

Elorm R. Akuash Bonney dominated the Ladies' Group C competition with 42 points, ahead of Berlinda Boateng (38) and Afi Yayra Dunyo (35).

Jan Vogel won the Seniors men's division with a gross score of 39, while Helen Appah topped the women's seniors category with 44 gross.

Simran Oberoi and Christine Fuller claimed the men's and women's Boobie Prize awards respectively, while Rickie Hurtubise and Berlinda Dzifa Boateng won the Longest Drive honours on the 17th hole.

Dennis Addo and Mary Agyeman Prempeh took the Closest to the Pin awards on the 18th hole, before guests were entertained by the Adaha Band and DJ Juicy to conclude the celebrations.