Hockey: Thrills at Prof Atta Mills memorial tourney

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Jul 28, 2025

The Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra came alive last Saturday as fans, players and dignitaries gathered for the 13th edition of the Atta Mills Memorial Hockey Tournament — a celebration of both sport and legacy in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

Since its inception in 2012, the tournament has grown into a cherished fixture on Ghana’s sporting calendar, paying homage to a leader who didn’t just lead the nation, but once patrolled the hockey pitch himself with equal grace.

This year’s edition was no different, as big names turned out to remember the statesman and hockey enthusiast. Among them were the late president’s brother and MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA), Samuel Atta-Mills, Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie, Ghana Hockey Association boss Dr K.D. Asante, and the ever-respected Ahwoi brothers.

But it was not all ceremony. The action on the turf delivered thrills aplenty, with five fiercely contested matches lighting up the day in true Atta Mills fashion: spirited, skillful and sportsmanlike.

The standout encounter saw Atta Mills XI edge out a seasoned Senior Select side 4-3 in a pulsating showdown that had the crowd on its feet.

A nail-biter from start to finish, it was a fitting centrepiece for the day’s festivities.

Earlier, a rampaging Financial Services Select team overwhelmed Security Services with a commanding 5-1 win, while Einstein outclassed the University of Ghana 3-1 in a clash that showcased some of the tournament’s brightest individual talents.

In the women’s division, Police Ladies delivered a statement performance with a dominant 5-1 win over the National U-21 Girls, underlining their pedigree on the domestic scene.

The action kicked off with a thrilling curtain-raiser as the National U-21 Boys edged Ark Academy Boys 3-2, setting the tone for a day packed with pace, precision and passion.

As the tournament marked its 13th year, it was clear that the legacy of Professor Atta Mills lives on — not just in the speeches or tributes, but in every stick swing, goal scored and cheer from the stands.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

View all posts