The MP for Odododiodio said he told ex-President John Mahama that the construction of the Arena would produce world champions and Olympic medalists.
Takyi won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics after losing to Duke Regan in the semi-final of the men’s featherweight event.
Samuel Takyi receives his bronze medal
“We had a vision years ago and today, it’s a reality,” Mr. Vanderpuye told Ablade TV, as quoted by GhanaWeb.
“Before we would begin the construction of the Bukom Boxing Arena, I told [former] President Mahama that if we are able to do this project we will get commonwealth champions, Olympic champions and world champions.”
Takyi’s heroics in Tokyo saw him become only the fifth Ghanaian (if you consider the Black Satellites as a collective unit) Olympic medalist.
Mr. Vanderpuye advised the 20-year-old boxer to maintain his focus and continue being a shining light onto others.
“You have opened the door for others to excel. All I want to tell you is to hold on to that door, don’t shut it.”
“It literally means you have become a shining light and you don’t have to switch it off because if you do those behind won’t be able to follow your steps,” the legislator added.