Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has reaffirmed his connection to Ghana with a powerful message of gratitude and commitment during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in Accra.

The 23-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Premier League champions, was welcomed by Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams during his off-season trip to the country of his heritage. Accompanied by his father, Mr. Davies Doku, and a small family delegation, the visit went beyond formality, symbolising a deeper intent to give back to the land of his parents.

Doku, born in Belgium to Ghanaian parents, shared heartfelt reflections during the meeting, expressing pride in his Ghanaian roots.

“I cannot shine unless people put me on,” he said. “I’m proud of my Ghanaian roots, I speak Twi, and I want to come back more often to give back to the land of my parents.”

His words were not mere sentiment. Doku’s trip included unpublicised visits to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Achimota Hospital in Accra as part of a broader philanthropic effort aimed at supporting healthcare in underserved communities.

Lady Dentaa Amoateng, a prominent diaspora figure and part of Doku’s local delegation, confirmed that the footballer is planning to scale up his involvement in social impact work across Ghana.

“Jeremy is determined to do more in areas like healthcare and grassroots football,” she said. “This isn’t a one-time gesture — he’s ready to invest in Ghana’s youth and public health infrastructure.”

Doku’s visit arrives at a time when the Ministry of Sports is pushing to strengthen ties with the global Ghanaian diaspora. Minister Adams praised the player not only for his rising profile on the pitch but for his humility and generosity off it.

“Though you play for Belgium, every time you step on the pitch, Ghana is mentioned,” said Hon. Adams. “We’re proud of your growth and even more inspired by your heart.”

The meeting concluded with the exchange of symbolic gifts and a formal invitation for Doku to attend upcoming youth football clinics organized by the Ministry. The initiative is aimed at nurturing local talent and providing mentorship from global stars like Doku who have walked the path from humble beginnings to football stardom.

The City star’s approach echoes a growing trend among high-profile African-descended athletes using their platforms to invest in their countries of origin. For Doku, his commitment appears rooted in authenticity rather than obligation.

“I know what it means to dream big from a small place,” he said. “If I can be even a small part of someone else’s journey, then I’ve done something right.”

Doku’s future on the international stage may remain with Belgium, but his heart, by every indication, is deeply intertwined with Ghana. His visit serves as a reminder that national pride and global success are not mutually exclusive — and that the diaspora can be a powerful bridge between heritage and hope.