Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club are celebrating 115 years since their formation, with Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe calling for the club’s historic success to be matched by strong administration, financial sustainability and continued investment in youth development.
The anniversary falls on 11 November 2026 and marks the latest milestone for one of Africa’s most established football institutions. Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said the occasion was an opportunity to honour the club’s achievements, recognise the sacrifices of those who helped build it and strengthen its foundations for future generations.
Hearts of Oak were 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, the club has developed into a nationally and internationally recognised institution whose influence extends beyond football.
Its red, yellow and blue colours, alongside the motto “Never Say Die Until the Bones Are Rotten”, have become symbols of determination and resilience.
The club’s major achievements include winning the 2000 CAF Champions League, the 2001 CAF Super Cup and the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup. Those successes, together with numerous Ghana Premier League and FA Cup titles, have secured Hearts of Oak a prominent place in African football history.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also paid tribute to the players, coaches, administrators and supporters who made those achievements possible, with particular recognition for the legendary Musical Youth era and the celebrated 64 Battalion.
Having served Hearts of Oak in several roles, including as Chairman of the Interim Management Committee in 1986, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said his experience of both the club’s successes and difficult periods had reinforced his belief that its stature should not be judged only by trophies. He said institutional strength, administrative integrity and the development of future generations of footballers were equally important.
Infrastructure investment
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe praised Executive Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV for his leadership and contribution to the club’s infrastructural development. He also acknowledged the current Board of Directors, former board members and those who have provided financial, professional and strategic support.
He thanked members of the Interim Management Committee, administrative staff, technical teams, coaches, medical personnel, academy officials, security officers, groundskeepers and other employees for their work.
The redevelopment of the club’s headquarters, known as Phobia House, was described as a significant step forward. The modern administrative and commercial facility includes office accommodation and commercial space, while plans also provide for a museum and heritage centre to preserve Hearts of Oak’s history.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe commended Togbe Afede XIV, the Board of Directors, consultants, engineers, architects, financiers and contractors involved in the project. He gave special recognition to Rema Alma, the construction company responsible for delivering the new headquarters, and its leadership, including Madam Emilia Ahadzi.
The Hearts Africa Football Academy and Sports Complex at Kpobiman was highlighted as another important investment. The project is intended to support football training, education, accommodation, conditioning and recreation, with natural grass and artificial turf pitches, accommodation for academy players, classrooms, offices, a gymnasium, dining facilities and changing rooms.
Plans also include a swimming pool, golf course, tennis and basketball facilities, as well as a mini-stadium and hospitality infrastructure. Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said the site could provide opportunities for athletic development, rehabilitation, recreation and sustainable commercial activity, but stressed that the facilities would require professional management, qualified staff, regular maintenance and financial discipline.
He also thanked the project managers, architects, engineers, construction companies, artisans, technical personnel, financiers and the Kpobiman community.
Supporters’ role
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe praised the loyalty of Hearts of Oak supporters, including the National Chapters Committee and supporters’ organisations in Ghana and abroad. He urged the Phobian fraternity to maintain loyalty, discipline, unity and constructive engagement, while placing the club’s interests above those of individuals or groups.
He said the achievements of the past created a responsibility to build a professionally managed, financially sustainable and internationally competitive club, supported by modern infrastructure, strong youth structures and an administrative culture based on integrity, accountability and excellence.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers, departed patrons, former chairmen, directors, administrators, players, coaches and supporters whose sacrifices established and preserved Hearts of Oak.
“After 115 years, the oak tree still stands,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe 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.”
He concluded by congratulating the club and the wider Phobian family on its 115th anniversary.
