By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, Aug. 16, GNA – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has commended the participating players and their technical teams in the just-ended 2026 Volta Cup tournament for their outstanding performances, describing the competition as highly successful.
The Northern Sector A team emerged against champions after defeating Southern Sector B in a thrilling penalty shootout in the final.
The tournament brought together eight competitive teams from across the region, providing a high-visibility platform for local talent to showcase their skills.
It also served as a crucial scouting platform, offering players the opportunity to secure places in the regional Under-19 squad ahead of the national championships.
Mr Gunu expressed optimism about the future of sports in the region, noting that the incredible talent displayed during the tournament demonstrated that football could be a powerful tool for regional transformation.
The Minister emphasised that modern football had evolved into a lucrative business and that it was necessary to support its development from the grassroots.
He said the economic potential of football was the reason the tournament was rebranded from the “Minister’s Cup” to the “Volta Cup,” a strategic shift aimed at driving the collective advancement of the region.
Mr Gunu expressed gratitude to the Special Guest, André Dede Ayew, former Black Stars Captain, and his brother, Ibrahim Ayew, for gracing the event.
He praised the media for their extensive coverage, describing the press as a crucial driver of regional development and urging journalists to maintain their impactful reporting.
The Minister assured the participating teams and their technical officials of a bright future for local football development.
He said the government was committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to create sustainable opportunities for the youth.
Mr Gunu announced that his office would provide the necessary support to the newly selected regional U-19 team as they prepared for national competitions and an upcoming tournament in Portugal.
He expressed confidence that the trip to Portugal would expose the players to international scouts, offering life-changing opportunities that would ultimately benefit their families, communities and the region.
André Dede Ayew praised the organisers for investing in grassroots football, which he described as the bedrock of the nation’s footballing future.
He affirmed his readiness to provide the necessary mentorship and support to ensure the continuous growth and success of sports at both grassroots and national levels.
Ayew urged the players to embrace discipline, resilience and unwavering determination, and never give up on their dreams, saying hard work could help many of them transition into professional players.
The former Black Stars Captain emphasised that football transcended being just a game, providing life-changing opportunities while also serving as a powerful unifier that brought people together.
Mr Mustapha Yussif, Coach of the Northern Sector A team, thanked the organisers, particularly the Minister, for providing a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their skills.
He called for increased investment in grassroots sports, pointing out that although the country was endowed with raw talent, many young players still lacked the necessary opportunities to develop their full potential.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu