A significant milestone was reached in the Ashanti Region as the Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, officially launched the much-anticipated Under-17 Inter-Town/Inter-District Football Competition.

The event, on Saturday, September 27, held under great excitement, serves as a bold statement of the region’s dedication to youth development, grassroots sports, and the unifying power of community engagement.

In his address, Dr Amoakohene emphasised that sports remain one of the most impactful avenues for discovering and grooming young talents.

He explained that the competition goes beyond entertainment as it is designed to foster discipline, teamwork, and social cohesion among communities, while providing a structured platform for nurturing the next generation of football stars.

He confirmed that soccer scouts will monitor all games in the districts to select players with great potential, while some graduates from the initiative will have the opportunity of Winneba Sports College to enhance their development.

The competition’s opening fixtures did not disappoint, delivering thrilling performances and igniting early rivalries.

In a tightly contested opening encounter, the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) side secured a narrow but impressive 2-1 victory over the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) team.

The Regional Minister captained the RCC team, and the match drew laughter, cheers, and camaraderie as local leaders swapped their usual roles for football boots and jerseys, showcasing both skill and sportsmanship.

In another exciting fixture under the main inter-town games, Fumesua edged Ejisu with a 2-1 win, but the most dominant performance of the day came from Manhyia, who pushed aside Krapa with a commanding 3-0 victory.

The launch attracted prominent dignitaries who lent their support and presence to the occasion, including Member of Parliament for Ejisu constituency, Kwabena Boateng, alongside the Municipal Chief Executive for Ejisu, Jerene Asante and the Queenmother of Ejis,u Nana Yaa Asantewaa III, whose appearance underscored the cultural and communal significance of the competition.

The tournament is expected to span several weeks, with all districts and towns competing in groups in all-play-all formats.

Each district will assemble a base team for a special Christmas gala in December. The winners from this gala will automatically qualify for next year’s Ashantifest football tournament.

Organisers believe it will not only scout fresh talent for regional and national development but also strengthen inter-community relationships and promote healthy lifestyles among young people.