The Volta Region is set to witness the inaugural edition of the Volta Regional Minister’s Cup, scheduled to take place on February 14 at the Regional Youth Resource Centre in Ho.
The tournament, themed “Fostering Growth and Progress for the Development of Volta Region Through Sports,” aims to promote unity, talent development, and economic growth within the region. It will feature eight teams, formed from the 18 municipal and district assemblies in the Volta Region.
Speaking at a press conference in Ho on Monday, February 10, Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, emphasised the role of sports in uniting people and announced that the Minister’s Cup would be an annual event under his leadership.
“As a good politician, one must also be a good sportsman. Sports teach us valuable lessons on accepting both defeat and victory,” Mr. Gunu stated.
He further highlighted the economic benefits of the tournament, stating that it would not only bring the people of Volta together but also boost local businesses, especially in Ho, before expanding to other parts of the region.
Mr. Daniel Agbogah, Chairperson of the Volta Regional Football Association (RFA), revealed that the association had initially planned a regional football competition.
However, upon assumption of office, the Regional Minister engaged them in the idea, leading to the formation of the Minister’s Cup.
To ensure wider participation, the 18 constituencies have been merged into eight teams for the tournament, with each team comprising multiple districts.
The team breakdown is as follows:
1.Southern A Team – Ketu South, Ketu North, Keta
2.Southern B Team– Akatsi South, Akatsi North, Anlo
3.Tongu Team – South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu
4.Kpetoe-Ziope-Adaklu Team– Agortime-Ziope, Adaklu
5.Ho Team – Ho Central, Ho West
6.Dayi Team – South Dayi, North Dayi
7.Hohoe-Afadzato South Team – Hohoe, Afadzato South
8.Kpando Team – Kpando (Standalone team)
Mr. Agbogah explained that in the future editions, each constituency will compete individually rather than being merged into teams.
“We expect that in the coming years, each constituency will participate as an independent team to showcase the hidden talents within the region,” he noted.
He also confirmed that District Football Association (DFA) heads and sports directors will be responsible for assembling their respective teams.
During the press conference, journalists inquired about transportation, formalities, and prizes for the competition.
Mr. Gunu assured the teams that transportation arrangements would be made to facilitate the movement of teams to the venue. He also revealed that prizes would be awarded to the winning teams to encourage competitive participation.
Furthermore, the Minister expressed his commitment to expanding sports development in the Volta Region, stating that beyond football, efforts will be made to promote other sporting disciplines soon.
The launch of the Volta Regional Minister’s Cup marks the beginning of a new chapter in regional sports, fostering youth engagement, talent discovery, and community development.
Credit: GNA
