By: Nii Otoe Bruce-Tagoe

In the captivating world of Masters Tennis, few stories this year shine brighter than that of Ghana’s own Bernard Ashitey Armaah, whose journey from Accra to London and onward to Tokyo culminated in back-to-back ITF Masters 100 titles — a feat that cements his name among Africa’s elite tennis ambassadors.

This extraordinary chapter in Ghanaian tennis history was made possible through the artistic and philanthropic vision of Amoako Boafo, the internationally celebrated Ghanaian painter whose support extended far beyond the canvas, empowering a champion to chase his dream across continents.

Bernard’s campaign began in the United Kingdom, where he made a statement from the very first serve. In the Round of 16, he dismissed Britain’s Jonny Klug 6–0, 6–2, before producing a masterclass against top seed Tom Brady, triumphing 6–4, 6–3 in the quarterfinals. His semifinal performance was nothing short of clinical — a 6–1, 6–0 demolition of India’s Anupam Uraiti, setting the stage for an all-Ghanaian final against Benjamin Ababio. Armaah’s precision, power, and poise saw him storm to a 6–1, 6–2 victory, lifting his first Masters crown on British soil.

Yet, what makes Armaah’s story truly magnetic is not just his victories, but his unyielding hunger for greatness. Barely had the applause faded in London before he boarded a flight to Tokyo, Japan, carrying the red, gold, green, and black star of Ghana in his heart.

At the Tokyo ITF Masters 100, Armaah’s resilience once again took center stage. After receiving a bye in the quarterfinals, he brushed aside Japan’s Hiroya Iida 4–2, 4–0 in the semifinals. Then came the grand finale, a thriller against Switzerland’s Aaron Terranova. With nerves of steel, Bernard clawed his way through a dramatic contest, sealing victory 11–9 in the decisive tiebreak to capture his second international title in two weeks.

These twin triumphs achieved across two continents, stand as a beacon of what can happen when talent meets opportunity, and when art meets athleticism. Amoako Boafo’s belief and investment in Bernard’s journey did more than fund a trip; it reignited a legacy, showcasing how Ghana’s creative and sporting forces can unite to tell a story of global excellence.

From the courts of London to the bright lights of Tokyo, Bernard Ashitey Armaah played not only for victory, but for Ghana. His journey reminds the world that with vision, support, and passion, greatness knows no boundaries.