Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku capped his trip to Ghana with a ceremonial visit to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in Kumasi on Tuesday. Jeremy Doku arrived in Ghana on Friday in what was a first visit to the motherland after 17 years.
Ghanaian/Belgian and Manchester City footballer Jérémy Doku, accompanied by his family, including his parents, wife, brother and siblings, paid a courtesy visit to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on July 15, 2025.
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) July 15, 2025
The family was led by Akosua Dentaa… pic.twitter.com/om2XtnSE62
Warm Welcome at Kotoka International Airport
The Belgian international with Ghanaian descent received a warm welcome at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, by a group of supporters and dignitaries, as well as an “Adowa and Kete” dance group to welcome him and his entourage.
“I wanna thank everyone for coming. Football is a gift and talent you get from God, so use it for a useful purpose. I want to thank you guys for coming, and thank you for your support. It’s been 17 years since I came here, so I will try and come every year. Like my dad said, we are going to organise a tournament every year.
“One thing I want to say is that today is my mother’s birthday, so wish her for me.
“Meda mo nyinaa ase. Ne nyinaa nie nti yerebebc boolo kakra,” he said in local language Twi. It translates to “Thank you to all, that is all. I’m going to play football now” in English.
🇬🇭 🇧🇪 Jeremy Doku sprays cash 💸 on traditional dancers after touching down in Ghana 😄#JoySports 🎥 Boateng20k/TikTok pic.twitter.com/6YCabIDwfI
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) July 12, 2025
Doku was born in Antwerp to Ghanaian parents, Belinda and David, who ensured that Doku kept in touch with his Ghanaian roots. In GaDangme culture in Ghana, "Doku" is a name given to the first son born to a man who marries his deceased brother's wife or another male family member.
Jeremy Doku Foundation Hosts Youth Tournament in Accra
Doku’s trip to Ghana was about more than visiting the family in Ghana, the Man City star, through the Doku Foundation, organsied a local football tournament aimed at inspiring young players in Madina, a suburb of the capital, City Accra.
Jeremy Doku showing off his skills on a dusty pitch in Madina.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/RS4Trll9vP
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) July 14, 2025
GIS crowned winners of Jeremy Doku Cup after beating Field Masters 1-0 in the final.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/QVmVveUNIJ
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) July 14, 2025
Strengthening Bonds with Motherland
Doku’s parents regularly return to Ghana, and the player has hinted at more frequent visits in the future to strengthen ties with the community and support local youth through football.
On Tuesday, Doku paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. While enjoying his vacation, Doku took an emotional trip to the Elmina Castle in Cape Coast.
The 23-year-old was part of Manchester City’s squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, making 3 appearances and scoring 2 goals. He will be returning to England after his vacation to begin pre-season with Pep Guardiola’s side.
