THURSDAYS WITH COLLYBRIGHT

This is David Kotei a.k.a D. K. "Poison"

Ghana's First-Ever World Champion Among All Sports Disciplines.

After winning his world title fight against Ruben Olivares in 1975, which he later defended the title the following year. According to reports and Kotei's own story, in 1976, he loaned an amount of 45,000 dollars to the Government of Ghana, then led by Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. The money was intended for the purchase of canned mackerel to mitigate the harsh economic and food conditions the country was facing. The loan had been facilitated by his management, which was led by Col. John Slater. According to him (Kotei), the money was part of his reward for defending his title against Japan's Fuku Yama in 1976.

The loan has not been paid back to date because shortly after the canned mackerels arrived in the country, the Acheampong's regime was overthrown by General Akuffo in a military palace coup. In September 2019, the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo noted that he would look into the issue. This was at a meeting with a delegation of former world boxing champions from Ghana.

It's been 41 years now and no government has attempted to refund his money irrespective of his numerous appeals and petitions to successive governments. He is currently lying sick the at hospital still waiting for his $45,000. He cries anytime he speaks about this situation.

About The Author: Adeshile Adekolajo

Adeshile Adekolajo is a graduate from the University of Abuja, He works for Ntel Nigeria and he owns - Mccollybright.blogspot.com

He is a writer, blogger, and poet, to read more of his interesting and educative articles, please log on to - mccollybright.blogspot.com.ng.