The Duamenefa Foundation’s annual Regional Tournament returned this year with an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and competition. Dubbed Duamenefa 2024: Celebrating Unity, Peace, and Competition, the event brought together people from across the Volta Region and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for showcasing both local traditions and sporting talent.
This year’s tournament not only featured exhilarating football matches but also placed a spotlight on the region’s rich cultural heritage. The streets were alive with colorful parades, captivating traditional dances, and various cultural displays. From the pulsating rhythms of drumming to the graceful movements of dancers, the celebration of Volta’s history and culture was evident in every performance. The festival buzzed with excitement, as local communities came together to celebrate their shared history in a spirit of joy and harmony.
At the heart of this year’s tournament was the theme of unity. The Duamenefa Foundation, along with Fafaa 100.3 FM, once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering social cohesion and pride in the region’s cultural identity. Their efforts were clear in the enthusiastic participation of the thousands of attendees who engaged in both the cultural activities and the sports competitions. More than just a football tournament, Duamenefa 2024 served as a platform to promote peace, friendship, and shared values, bringing people from diverse backgrounds closer together.
A Record-Breaking Tournament
The football segment of the event continued to grow in prominence, making history yet again. Since its inception in 2017, the Duamenefa Regional Tournament has grown from 46 teams to an unprecedented 125 Under 17 teams in 2023, representing various communities across the Volta Region. The 2024 edition featured even more thrilling matchups between the competing teams, showcasing the hidden football talents of the region’s youth. The tournament, which began on June 24th, attracted attention from both local and international football scouts, furthering the foundation’s mission of unearthing and promoting young talent.
This year’s tournament benefitted from the ongoing support of prominent figures like Hon. Gabriel Kwamigah Atokple Tanko, a proud sponsor and entrepreneur aspiring to contest the Ketu North Constituency Parliamentary seat. The National Sports Authority, Regional Football Association, and National Athletics Association also played key roles in making the event a success. Their continued backing has been instrumental in ensuring that the youth participating in the tournament receive exposure to both national and international football opportunities.
The Grand Finale: Music, Excitement, and Community
As the tournament climaxed, the Duamenefa 2024 event took on an even more electrifying tone with a concert headlined by Ghanaian superstar Stonebwoy. The award-winning artist thrilled the audience with his energetic performance, captivating the crowd with his hits. The excitement was palpable as festival-goers danced and sang along, uniting in celebration. Stonebwoy’s concert served as the perfect finale to an event that had already left an indelible mark on all who attended.
Empowering the Youth and Promoting Peace
Speaking about the importance of the event, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and CEO of Fafaa 100.3 FM, highlighted the tournament’s role in providing a platform for youth to develop their talents. “We aim to give these young athletes the exposure they need to reach their full potential,” he said, referring to the tournament’s connection with scouts from Portugal, the UK, China, and the United States.
The Director of Sports for the tournament, Mr. Patrick Amazing Doamekpor, also praised the participants for their discipline and professionalism. He stressed the importance of such events in promoting both youth development and sportsmanship, encouraging the youth to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.
As the dust settles on Duamenefa 2024, one thing is clear: this tournament continues to be a beacon of hope, unity, and pride for the Volta Region. The Duamenefa Foundation has once again succeeded in bringing the community together, and with the foundation’s steadfast commitment to peace and development, the future looks bright for both the youth and the region as a whole.
Highlights from Duamenefa 2024 – A Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Competition
