Citizens International Hockey Club has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner dance and awards ceremony, recognising individuals who have contributed to the club’s growth and Ghana hockey.

The event, held at the Ridge Church Hall on Saturday, brought together members, former players and representatives of other hockey clubs to mark four decades since the club’s founding in 1985.

Among those honoured were Benjamin K.D. Asante, also known as Nana Kweku Dankwah Opamago Kodie II, Ghana Hockey Association president Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and Kwabena Sarpong Manu, who received special awards.

Other recipients included Kwame Owusu, Samuel Ofosu, George E. Armah, Alex Arthur and Elizabeth King for their service and contributions to the club.

The celebrations featured live performances from the Guitar Melodies Band, while former players Dr Nii Noi Ashong and Mr Adane entertained guests with saxophone and vocal performances.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Prof Armah thanked the club for the recognition. Nana Dankwah also reflected on how hockey had shaped his life and career.

The club’s awards committee was introduced during the ceremony, with organisers expressing confidence that the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations would be even bigger.

Current chairman Kwame Owusu said Citizens International Hockey Club had grown beyond being just a sporting organisation.

“The club is now more than a family,” he said. “We have won trophies, produced national stars and good citizens. We are always thinking about how to develop people and make life better.”

Organising committee chairman Samuel Ofosu thanked members and guests for supporting the anniversary celebrations.

Citizens International Hockey Club was founded in December 1985 by employees of the Ghana Commercial Bank, including Lawrence Adu-Mantey and Ablorh Quarcoo, together with colleagues who had worked alongside them at the bank.