On Friday evening, a trio of Ghanaian football stakeholders were honored by the Board of the Ghana Football Awards for their key roles in the development of football in the country.

The trio which consisted of former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Joe Aggrey, Madam Habiba Attah and J.E Sarpong were awarded citations in celebration of their legends during the Ghana Football Forum held in Accra.

The ceremony which premised on the theme, "The Financial Regulation of Professional Football in Ghana", was attended by renowned Football administrators, coaches, ex-footballers amongst other stakeholders in the country.

The main speaker of the night, Dr. Baah-Nuakoh was joined by Dr. Kofi Amoah, former MD of Accra Hearts of Oak, Cleopatra Nketiah and Neil Armstrong-Mortegbe who served as panelists.

The three individuals honoured by the Board of the Ghana Football Awards, have made contributions in various capacities to the the growth of the game in the country.

Mr. Joe Aggrey served as the President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana, before under the leadership of J.A. Kuffoir, rose to the ranks of Deputy Sports Minister.

His citation singled out his hard work and dedication to the game during his active years.

"Your illustrious contribution and dedication to sports journalism in Ghana and Africa are without question. It is that brilliance that saw you become the first sports journalist to be crowned but the Ghana Journalists Association as the overall journalist of the year in 1999, a feat that has not been repeated for over two decades now.

"Big Joe as you are affectionately called, you brought dignity to the noble profession of sports journalism when you rose through the ranks to be appointed the Deputy Sports Minister in the John Agyekum Kuffour administration. The Ghana Football Awards Board celebrates your efforts and legacy," his citation read.

Meanwhile, Habiba Attah is possibly the most important female figure throughout Ghana's long history of football.

She is regarded as the lady who introduced competitive women's football to the country, while also playing a key role in the establishment of the Black Queens.

Her citation looked to cement her place in the folklore of Ghana Football.

"The history of women’s football in Ghana can never be written without a page in your honour. Your vision and guidance during the formation of the senior national female team, the Black Queens, is well-documented. Since 1985, when you formed Fabulous Ladies – the oldest female football club in Ghana- you have given life to the dreams of many young girls in Ghana and beyond. You certainly deserve your place in the history books, and the Ghana Football Awards Board is happy to help do this," her citation read.

J.E Sarpong has sealed his name the books of Ghana and it's football, serving as head coach for every Premier League team at a point in his career.

His citation eulogized his desire to teach and impart the technical know-how to the younger developing football generation within Ghana's ranks.

"For the best part of your life, you have been dedicated to unearthing, nurturing and producing well-refined football talents for our great nation. Your patience, selflessness and attention to detail exhibited while working under harsh and risky conditions in the interest of mother Ghana, are not only admirable, but envious. The many great national team footballers who are products of your tutelage constitute a testament to your foresight in talent identification. The Ghana Football Awards Board is proud of your contributions to the development of football in the country," his citation indicated.

The Ghana Football Forum served as a curtain raiser to the Ghana Football Awards which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 3 at the Grand Arena.