Dzodze, Volta Region – Saturday, 18th October 2025
The usually calm town of Dzodze came alive last Saturday as thousands gathered for the grand finale of the 2025 Duamenefa Regional Tournament – Under-17 Edition, an event that celebrated sport, unity, and peace under the theme “Duamenefa – Let Us Coexist in Peace.”
Representing the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Hon. 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, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah 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.
Hon. 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.
Throughout his address, Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah paid glowing tribute to Hon. Julius Debrah, describing him as “a man deeply devoted to peace, inclusiveness, and youth empowerment.”
He 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.”
Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah added that under Hon. Debrah’s guidance, the Office of the Chief of Staff has remained committed to nurturing programmes that promote unity and empower young people to become nation-builders.
The former Sports Minister praised the Volta Region’s historic contribution to Ghana’s development, describing it as a “beacon of unity and excellence.”
“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.
Hon. 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.
On behalf of Hon. Julius Debrah, he extended heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, participants, and the over 48,000 Duamenefa Peace Volunteers working tirelessly across the Volta Region to spread the message of peace and coexistence.
“You are doing something remarkable — using sport to preach peace and using unity to inspire development,” he affirmed.
To the young athletes, he offered a message of encouragement:
“You are not merely kicking a ball; you are shaping the future of our nation. Play with passion, play with integrity, and remember that discipline is the seed of greatness.”
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.
As the tournament drew to a close and the crowd erupted in cheers, the message was clear — that peace, unity, and shared purpose remain the foundation upon which Ghana’s future will be built.
“As we celebrate this seventh edition of the Duamenefa Tournament, let us renew our collective commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity — for the Volta Region and for Ghana,” Hon. Afriyie-Ankrah concluded.
Duamenefa — Let us coexist in peace.
