Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah
The usually calm town of Dzodze came alive on Saturday, October 18, as hundreds gathered for the grand finale of the 2025 Duamenefa Regional Tournament.
The U-17 edition of the Duamenefa Regional Tournament celebrated sport, unity, and peace under the theme “Duamenefa – Let Us Coexist in Peace.”
Representing the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, delivered a stirring message of hope and coexistence that resonated deeply with the crowd.
The former Minister for Youth and Sports and Deputy Minister for Local Government, commended Fafaa FM and the Duamenefa Foundation for their unwavering commitment to peace-building and youth development through sports, noting that their seven-year journey had transformed a local competition into a movement for social change.
“The very name Duamenefa — meaning ‘Let us coexist in peace’ — captures the heartbeat of President John Dramani Mahama and reflects exactly what Ghana needs today: unity, tolerance, and shared purpose,” he said.
Afriyie-Ankrah emphasised that the Duamenefa Tournament has become more than a football contest — it is a unifying force that bridges differences and promotes discipline among the youth.
“This tournament is not just about football. It is a platform that shapes character, nurtures potential, and reminds us that our collective strength lies in our ability to play together, not fight each other,” he added.
Drawing from his experience in sports administration, he observed that young people who choose sports over violence become ambassadors of peace and hope.
“Every young person who picks up a football, a javelin, or a pair of running shoes chooses hope over hostility,” he remarked.
Afriyie-Ankrah also highlighted the Chief of Staff’s continued support for community-based initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue, social harmony, and civic responsibility.
“Hon. Julius Debrah believes in a Ghana where opportunities are shared fairly, where diversity is celebrated, and where the youth are given the tools to shape their future,” he said. “His support for initiatives like Duamenefa reflects his conviction that peace and development go hand in hand.”
He added that the Office of the Chief of Staff has remained committed to nurturing programmes that promote unity and empower young people to become nation-builders.
“From its rich cultural heritage and music to its discipline in education and sport, the Volta Region continues to shine as an example of what Ghana represents at its best,” he said.
He called for collaboration among government, traditional authorities, and the private sector to create more opportunities for young people in the region.
“We must ensure that the bright sons and daughters of the Volta Region not only excel on the pitch but also sit at the tables where decisions are made, projects are planned, and investments are negotiated,” he urged.
Afriyie-Ankrah appealed to Ghanaians to embrace peace not only during elections but in daily life, noting that national progress depends on mutual respect and cooperation.
“Ghana needs peace not just during elections but every day — in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Our destinies are interlinked, our victories shared, and our progress collective,” he said.
Now in its seventh year, the Duamenefa Regional Tournament has grown into one of Ghana’s most influential grassroots peace initiatives. Through partnerships with the National Sports Authority, the Regional Football Association, and traditional leaders, the tournament continues to use sport as a powerful platform for coexistence and community development.
Meanwhile, watch the latest Sports Check interview with Alex Kotey, the GFA Referees Manager below:
