The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Fafa FM, Mr Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, has praised the unwavering support of individuals and organisations whose contributions have sustained the foundation’s humanitarian and sports development initiatives in the Volta Region.

Speaking during the Eduamenefa Grand Durbar held at Dzodze in the Ketu North District, Mr Evortepe outlined the foundation’s journey, achievements, and ongoing challenges while emphasising the crucial role of partnerships in community transformation.

Mr Evortepe recounted that sponsorship had been one of the foundation’s major challenges until the Representative of the Council of State, Hon. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, stepped in to offer decisive financial and logistical support. “Sponsorship was a great challenge until Hon. Atokple came to our aid and became the main sponsor,” he stated, expressing profound appreciation for his timely intervention and steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and development in the Volta Region.

He highlighted that the Duamenefa Foundation, since its inception, has continued to champion peacebuilding, social development, and empowerment across communities through the use of sports and social programs.

The foundation’s flagship initiative — the Duamenefa Super Gala and Marathon Tournament — was launched on June 15, 2017, with the vision of using football as a unifying tool to promote peaceful coexistence among the people of the Volta Region.

“The tournament was born out of a vision to unite communities and to support the efforts of the National Sports Authority and the Regional Football Association in nurturing young talent and promoting peace through sports,” he said.

From modest beginnings with 46 participating football clubs, the competition has grown exponentially. In 2018, it recorded 77 teams, and by 2019, it achieved a historic milestone of 104 football teams competing under one banner — a record in the region’s community sports history.

Mr Evortepe recalled the early scepticism from some quarters but noted that the tournament’s progress was driven by faith, perseverance, and divine grace. “An elderly man once told me, ‘You have a great vision, but many have tried and failed.’ I told him Mawulikpli — meaning, God is with us — and indeed, God has proven faithful,” he said with gratitude.

He added that, despite the temporary interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021, the tournament has regained momentum and continues to serve as a platform for youth development, peacebuilding, and community unity. “This year marks the seventh edition of the tournament, and we are proud of how far we’ve come,” he emphasised.

Mr Evortepe also outlined a series of collaborations and partnerships that have enhanced the foundation’s impact in education, health, and social welfare. These include:

Treasures of His Eyes (UK) – A UK-based NGO led by Rev. Adefunke Adeoye and Mamaga Nutefeworla I, supporting single parents’ skill empowerment.

Costheta Educational Support Fund (USA) – Founded by Dr David Kotei Nutakor and Togbi Dunenyo I of California, providing scholarships to 20 students annually, with 102 students benefiting so far.

Rutgers University (USA) – Partnering through Mr Felix Abusah to offer scholarship support.

Nyonyo Foundation (Ghana) – Providing periodic aid for all categories of beneficiaries.

Stephanie Butowsky (USA) – Supporting persons living with disabilities (PLWD).

Madam Christa Senega (USA) – Working with Mamaga Eweawo fe Adzagba, the foundation’s Minnesota State Director, to deliver periodic support.

Mr Evortepe affirmed that these partnerships reflect the Duamenefa Foundation’s vision of “empowering communities through unity, development, and faith.” He lauded the continuous encouragement and backing of national and regional figures, including H.E. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana; Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, and other dignitaries and traditional leaders who have supported the foundation’s mission.

“The Duamenefa Foundation’s journey has not been easy, but it is a story of hope, perseverance, and shared purpose. Together, we are using sports, education, and empowerment as tools to build peace and transform lives,” he concluded.

The Eduamenefa Grand Durbar brought together traditional authorities, government officials, sponsors, community leaders, and youth groups in a colourful celebration of unity and progress, a true reflection of the foundation’s enduring slogan: “Peace, Development, and Empowerment Through Action.”