Accra Hearts of Oak have been hailed for their 115-year history as former chairman Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe urged the club to build a professionally managed, financially sustainable and internationally competitive institution.
The club was founded in Accra on 11 November 1911 by a group of young men led by Christopher Brandford Nettey, popularly known as Asafoatse Nettey. From its beginnings in colonial Accra, it has developed into a nationally and internationally recognised institution, with its red, yellow and blue colours and motto, “Never Say Die Until the Bones Are Rotten,” symbolising its resilience.
Nyaho-Tamakloe highlighted Hearts of Oak’s 2000 CAF Champions League triumph, 2001 CAF Super Cup victory and 2004 CAF Confederation Cup success, as well as its Ghana Premier League and FA Cup titles.
He paid tribute to the players, coaches, administrators and supporters whose efforts produced those achievements, with particular recognition for the Musical Youth era and the celebrated 64 Battalion.
The former chairman, who served as chairman of the Interim Management Committee in 1986 and has held several roles at the club, said Hearts’ standing should be judged not only by trophies but also by the strength of its institutions, the integrity of its administration and its ability to develop successive generations of footballers.
Praise for board and infrastructure
Nyaho-Tamakloe praised Executive Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV for his leadership and commitment to the club’s infrastructure, and acknowledged the contributions of current and former board members and those providing financial, professional and strategic support.
He also thanked the Interim Management Committee, administrative staff, technical teams, coaches, medical personnel, academy officials, security officers, groundskeepers and other employees.
Particular attention was given to the redevelopment of the club headquarters, known as Phobia House, and the Hearts Africa Football Academy and Sports Complex at Kpobiman.
Phobia House now provides modern office and commercial space, with plans to preserve the club’s history through a museum and heritage centre. Nyaho-Tamakloe commended Togbe Afede XIV, the board, consultants, engineers, architects, financiers and contractors, with special recognition for Rema Alma and its leadership, including Madam Emilia Ahadzi, for completing and handing over the facility.
The Kpobiman project is intended to support football training, education, accommodation, conditioning and recreation. Its plans include natural grass and artificial turf pitches, academy accommodation, classrooms, offices, a gymnasium, dining facilities, changing rooms, a swimming pool, golf course, tennis and basketball facilities, as well as a mini-stadium and hospitality infrastructure.
Nyaho-Tamakloe said the projects would require professional management, qualified staff, maintenance, financial discipline and a clear focus on developing young players. He thanked the project managers, construction companies, artisans, technical personnel, financiers and the Kpobiman community.
He also recognised the National Chapters Committee and Hearts supporters in Ghana and abroad, urging them to maintain loyalty, discipline, unity and constructive engagement.
Paying tribute to the club’s founders, former leaders, players, coaches and supporters, he said their legacy should guide future decisions.
“After 115 years, the oak tree still stands,” he said. “Its roots remain firmly established in the sacrifices of our founding fathers, its branches continue to extend across generations, and its enduring spirit remains an inspiration to millions.”
“Happy 115th Anniversary to Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club!” he added. “Long live Hearts of Oak! Long live the Phobian fraternity! NEVER SAY DIE UNTIL THE BONES ARE ROTTEN!”
