One of Ghana’s finest sports administrators who lit the torch for the growth of rugby in the country, Mr. Steve Noi, has been laid to rest over the weekend.
Mr. Steve Noi passed away at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra on Thursday, August 12, 2021, after a long bout of illness. “Steve” as he was fondly called was a silent giant who played huge roles in helping to get Ghana on the World Rugby map, by transiting it from Rugby amateurism to professionalism.
Over the past years, he virtually single-handedly managed the domestic league, professionalized it, and ensured that Ghana complied with World Rugby and Rugby Africa. He mentored many young Ghanaians and gave hope to them.
Over the past year, he initiated various programs including reforms in the Union, compliance by regional associations in line with Global directives, and took over the management of interrelations with Rugby Africa.
The Ghana Rugby football union represented in full, at his residence at Osu and paid glowing tribute to him. The President and Board Chairman Mr. Herbert Mensah, Judicial Officer of Ghana Rugby Football, Mr. Chester Anie, Chairman of the northern region rugby association, Mrs. Rafatu Inusah, technical handlers of the national teams, the playing body, and well-wishers bid him farewell.
As a sign of respect, the senior national team players allowed the pallbearers to rest and carried the casket of “Mr. Noi” from his residence at Osu to the church house, the Methodist Church of Ghana, Rev. Peter Kwei Dagadu at Osu Ako- Adjei.
Samuel A. Boakye-Buckman (popularly known as Dada Oliseh) is a self-motivated young journalist with a passion for telling stories better with pictures. He is the founder, owner, editor and bankroller of www.ghanasoccernews.org as well as this website, www.totalsportsgh.com. Dada Oliseh is again the brain behind the Dada Oliseh Photos brand that produces awesome pictures of all sporting activities, nature, and other occasions.
He has a vast experience in the reporting of sports in Ghana especially football-related activities in Ghana and beyond. A former employee of Hearts News (official mouthpiece of Accra Hearts of Oak), 90 minutes sports paper, National Sports Authority, Footballcrusader.com, sportscrusader.com, and ghanafootballnews.com, Samuel is one of the few energetic and self-motivated young journalist in Ghana with a large following on social media, especially Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/boakye.buckman.9). He is well known for his frequent updates from all over the country with pictures to match. He is also a correspondent for a few international websites, including CAF. In recent times, he has introduced, as part of his many talents, the live streaming of matches and football-related activities. He lives in Accra Ghana.