Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has urged young footballers to stay away from drug use and focus on discipline and training, warning that substance abuse can destroy even the most promising careers in sports.
He made these remarks during a visit to the ongoing Inter-District Juvenile Championship at the Ho Sports Stadium, where he engaged with players and officials. The week-long tournament, which began on Monday, 7 July 2025, and ends on Sunday, 13 July, features over 500 U-15 and U-17 players from the Volta and Oti Regions.
Addressing the players, Hon. Gunu emphasised that football is not just a game but a powerful tool for development and national unity. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting sports in the region, noting that he launched the Regional Minister’s Cup during his first week in office to encourage grassroots participation.
“As young players, your focus should be on training hard and staying disciplined. Avoid the use of drugs—it will only derail your potential. Football can open many doors for you, but you must stay clean and committed,” he said.
He further promised to reward the top-performing team at the end of the tournament with footballs and sets of jerseys to encourage continued development and teamwork.
Chairman of the Volta Regional Football Association (VRFA), Mr. Daniel Agbogah, also spoke at the event, reminding the players of the importance of good conduct and sportsmanship. He noted that this year’s tournament has seen improvements in organisation compared to previous editions and assured participants that player selections would be based strictly on merit and performance.
Mr. Agbogah also praised the efforts of the District Football Associations (DFAs) for successfully organising and presenting their teams for the championship.
Currently, 15 out of 22 districts in the Volta Region are actively participating in the tournament, alongside 12 young referees trained under the Ghana Football Association’s “Catch Them Young Referees Policy.”
Also in attendance were VRFA Secretary Promise Michael Ahiagba, members of the Regional Executive Council, and all District FA Chairpersons.
The Inter-District Juvenile Championship serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, with standout players being considered for regional and national team selection.
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