The municipal capital of the Ketu North, Dzodze, in the Volta Region was agog with pomp and pageantry in a grand durbar with sports enthusiasts, traditional rulers, MMDCEs, Reverend Ministers and representatives of various stakeholders in attendance at this year’s Duamenefa Tourney.
The tournament is an initiative of a private radio station, Fafaa 100.3 FM, with support from its non-governmental organisation, Duamenefa Foundation.
This year’s durbar is considered by sports pundits and the Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Daniel K. Sarpei, as “the largest sports festival of our time.”
More than 40,000 spectators witnessed the ceremony on Saturday, September 30.
One hundred and twenty six (126) football teams from 126 communities registered from the southern and central parts of the Volta Region. 115 out of the 126 successfully participated through all stages from the 1st day of July until the grand finale.
The finale match was between Sakpoe 1 FC and Adzoati Young Boys of Weta. Sakpoe 1 FC carried the day with a 1-0 win.
The durbar, held in a vibrant display of culture and unity, was graced by a multitude of stakeholders who came together to support a noble cause.
The Director of Sports of Fafaa 100.3 FM’s Duamenefa Foundation, Patrick Amazing Doamekpor, based in the USA, his Deputy, Michael Helegbe, based in France, in the company of the Portuguese FIFA lawyer and sports development expert and scout, Pedro Macieirinha, together with Jose Pedro, the executive president of Bechem United, Kingsley Owusu-Achiau, with other scouts were on the ground to unearth the hidden talents embedded in the youth, for marketing to the outside world.
The highlight of the event was the generous donation from the headline sponsor, Mr. Gabriel Kwamigah Atokple Tanko.
In a remarkable gesture, he presented a brand-new Toyota Corolla Saloon and a Tricycle to the Foundation. This remarkable contribution left the attendees in awe of his commitment to the cause.
The Executive Board of Governors of the Duamenefa Foundation, led by the Executive President and CEO of Fafaa FM, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, in return conferred an Honorary Chieftaincy Title of “Togbi Nyaxordeakorla I”, meaning, “the King of Intervention”, on Mr. Atokple.
The Duamenefa Foundation of Fafaa 100.3 FM is a nonprofit organisation made up of over 36,000 registered and certified volunteers, scattered across the various communities within the Volta Region and beyond.
The Foundation is registered in the USA as 501/ C3 with its international office in the US state of Alabama.
The Director in charge of Duamenefa Regional Sports Tournament said, “My pride stems from the fact that we are gathered here to celebrate the 5th edition of the Duamenefa Regional Tournament. The idea of this tournament was conceived a few years ago under circumstances that one can describe as “booze talk”.
He added, “The objective is to use sports as a tool to provide hope for our teeming youth, as a leveller and poverty alleviating mechanism; starting with the youth of the Volta Region specifically and Ghana in general.
“As part of the future developmental goals, it is our dream to have a Duamenefa Sports Complex or Duamenefa Sports Village where we can host all these activities.”
From The Sports Desk