The Volta Regional Member of the Council of State and Founder of the Tanko Foundation, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has urged government, private sector, and development partners to institutionalise youth sports and community peace initiatives as integral parts of Ghana’s development agenda.

Speaking at the Grand Finale of the 2025 Duamenefa Regional Tournament at Dzodze, Dr Kwamigah-Atokple said the Duamenefa Foundation’s work demonstrates that sport can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and social transformation.

“If we, as a people, do not invest in our community, we will forfeit our future. Our investment in the Duamenefa Tournament is deliberate—an investment in human capital, community safety, and the economic prospects of the Volta Region,” he declared.

He outlined how partnerships with the Duamenefa Foundation, led by Evangelist Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, have produced tangible results—supporting young footballers to play abroad, providing scholarships for over 100 students, constructing the Duamenefa Vocational School, and assisting single parents and vulnerable women with equipment and training.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple appealed to the government to allocate funding for regional youth tournaments, create structured talent pathways linking regional games to national and international opportunities, and provide technical support for sports infrastructure and youth services.



“Let us treat this model not as a one-day spectacle but as a platform for long-term transformation,” he said.

The durbar drew several dignitaries, including the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Ifedayo Adeoye; the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu; the Ketu North MP, Edem Agbana; the clergy, traditional leaders, and representatives of MMDCEs and presiding members.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, was represented by Elvis Afriyie Ankrah as Special Guest of Honour.

Duamenefa Foundation’s work mirrors govt’s vision for people-centred devt – Julius Debrah

In a post-event reflection, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple expressed his gratitude to all who graced the occasion and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the Tanko Foundation’s youth empowerment initiatives, including scholarships, the vocational school project, and referee and coaching clinics.

The sporting climax saw Viefe Torkor FC defeat Banana Inn FC to lift the tournament trophy, a moment the Council of State Member said embodied the spirit of discipline, teamwork, and unity the foundation seeks to nurture.

“The Duamenefa Tournament is more than football — it’s a movement that instills values of unity, teamwork, and peace among the youth,” he said, while paying tribute to Evangelist Evortepe for his “unyielding commitment to peace and community development.”



He concluded by urging Voltarians to uphold unity, support one another, and build a region that stands “as a model of progress and harmony for the rest of Ghana.”