By Philip Tengzu
Nadowli, (UW/R), Nov. 19, GNA – Azumah Resources Ghana Limited, a gold exploration company in the Upper West Region, has exhibited commitment to contributing to developing the interest of young people in volleyball, as a lesser-known sports discipline in the region.
That was evident in its annual volleyball tournament, which it has been organising over the past five years and consistently garnered an appreciable interest from young people in the region.
The initiative is part of its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) to give back to society through developing the sports talent of young people in the region with focus on volleyball.
Nine male volleyball teams across the region, two female teams from Wa and Tumu and the female teams from St. Augustines and Queen of Peace Senior High Schools in the Nadowli-Kaleo District participated in the 2024 edition of the tournament held in Nadowli.
Speaking at the event, Mr Selorm Seche, the Manager of Mine Geology at the Azumah Resources Ghana Limited, indicated that apart from the company’s quest to invest in the skills development of young people in the region, it was interested in maintaining cordial relations with host communities.
He said good relationships with host communities were paramount in enhancing their mining activities, hence, the need to strive to take initiatives that would sustain that peaceful relationship.
Mr Solomon Dery, a Senior Community Relations Officer at the Company, indicated that the event also served as an avenue for Azumah Resources to interact with the youth, understand and try to address their concerns as far as youth development was concerned.
“Going forward, we should be able to create some kind of a sustainable impact where they themselves (the youth) will benefit from the tournament,” he said.
Mr Dery expressed hope that with the certificates presented to the best performing players, they would serve as supporting documents to enable them to apply for jobs, especially in the security services.
Mr John Biliguo, the Upper West Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), commended Azumah Resources for the initiative and its commitment to developing the sporting skills of young people in the region.
The Lambussie Young Stars emerged winners after they beat the Nadowli Spring Fingers two straight at the finals and took home a trophy, gold medals, a set of jersey, GH¢1,500.00 and a certificate.
The second place team, Nadowli Spring Fingers also took home silver medals, a set of jersey, GH¢1,000.00 and certificate.
Wa Might Fingers came third and was awarded bronze medals, GH¢500.00 and a certificate while Wa Supreme Fingers came fourth and was awarded GH¢400.00.
Defending champions, Wa Citi Stars, was knocked out at the group stages of the tournament.
Some individuals who performed well in the tournament were also presented with certificates and cash prizes.
GNA