H.E Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, a Council of State Member and founder of the Tanko Foundation, has once again shown his strong support for grassroots development by donating seven motorcycles to the Duamenefa Foundation to facilitate the work of community reporters.

The motorcycles, which have been officially distributed across Keta Municipality, Akatsi South, Ketu South, Ketu North, Anlo District, and Togo Zanguera (Segbe, Akanu, and its environs for cross-border reporting), will enhance mobility and efficiency for journalists covering critical local issues. This initiative aligns with H.E. Kwamigah-Atokple’s broader vision of strengthening community engagement in governance and development efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Duamenefa Foundation and Fafaa FM, the Executive Board of Governors expressed their deep appreciation for H.E Atokple’s generosity. In their official acknowledgment, they emphasized the positive impact of this support on the foundation’s ongoing activities and the over 46,000 members who benefit from its community-centered programs.

“The chiefs, assembly members, and community leaders, together with the general public, are grateful to God for your sponsorship of the AGENDA 2024, 2025, and 2026 project,” the letter stated.

The Duamenefa Foundation, a respected community-focused organization, plays a vital role in investigative journalism, social interventions, and advocacy. With this donation, the foundation’s reporters will now have the necessary resources to reach remote areas, document pressing issues, and contribute to the socio-economic progress of their communities.

H.E. Kwamigah-Atokple, in his remarks, reaffirmed his strong support for community development and called on other stakeholders to assist similar initiatives that promote local journalism and civic engagement.

This latest donation adds to his extensive efforts in supporting education, media, and community development in Ghana.

His Eminence Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, a Council of State Member and founder of Tanko Foundation has demonstrated his commitment to education by donating GHS 100,000 to the “The Ketu North Scholar” (Edem Agbana Scholarship Scheme). His generous contribution was announced at the official launch of the initiative, where he served as the Guest of Honour.

Adding to his generous contribution, H.E Kwamigah-Atokple also donated $1,000 to a third-year student from University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale pursuing a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science. The recipient, Jennifer Akorfa Amegble, will benefit from this additional support as she advances her academic journey in the medical laboratory field. This further demonstrates his commitment to educational empowerment and inclusive development.

In his speech, H.E. Kwamigah – Atokple highlighted the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunities for young people. “This initiative is not just about financial aid; it is a commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth and securing a brighter future for Ketu North,” he stated.

His donation is expected to strengthen the scholarship fund, which has already provided full sponsorship for 22 Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and support for over 200 students. He commended Hon. Edem Agbana for spearheading the initiative and called on other stakeholders to contribute toward sustaining and expanding the program.

The scholarship aligns with former President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of free tertiary education for PWDs and the “No Fees Stress” policy for first-year students. It also reinforces the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable education for all.

H.E. Kwamigah – Atokple further highlighted that the vision of the Tanko Foundation on education further enriches this initiative. “The Foundation believes that education is not just a pathway to personal success but a transformative force capable of uplifting entire communities. Tanko Foundation aims to empower individuals to harness their full potential, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of our region|”. He added.

He urged the scholarship recipients to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that their success would serve as a testament to the impact of such initiatives. “This is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Ketu North. Let us all work together to ensure that no child’s dreams are cut short due to financial hardship,” he concluded.

H.E Kwamigah-Atokple, CEO of Tanko Foundation was officially sworn in as member of the Council of State on February 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House in a ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E John Dramani Mahama.

In his address, the President emphasized the importance of good governance, transparency, and national unity. He urged Council members to provide objective and non-partisan advice to strengthen democracy. President John Dramani Mahama also encouraged the members to work diligently to ensure that the Council’s impact is felt as expected by the people of Ghana. The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, and dignitaries from the Volta Region.

After taking the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy, H.E Kwamigah-Atokple pledged to serve with honesty, integrity, and dedication. He assured the people of the Volta Region that he would prioritize development, youth empowerment, and economic transformation. Leveraging his experience in social development through the Tanko Foundation, he promised to focus on initiatives that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance community engagement across the region.

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.

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Highlights from Duamenefa 2024 – A Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Competition