Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, officially set the tone for the 68th Asantehene Open Golf Championship at Kumasi’s Royal Golf Club in a ceremonial tee-off together with Telecel Group Board Chair, Nicolas Bourg, Telecel Ghana CEO, Patricia Obo-Nai, and Ghanaian business magnate, Sir Sam Jonah.

The four-day tournament, headlined by Telecel Ghana for the eighth year running, brought together over 200 professional and amateur golfers from seven countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Cote D’Ivoire to compete in various categories.

The ceremonial tee-off, which showcased sporting excellence woven into royal tradition, began with a traditional procession, followed by a flag-hoisting ceremony of all competing countries, conducted by a contingent from the Ghana Armed Forces.

Before the first symbolic swing by the Asantehene, the Chair of the Royal Golf Club’s Management Team, Kwesi Attah-Antwi, welcomed the dignitaries, guests and competitors to the 18-hole course while reflecting on the growing impact of the tournament.

“The total participation and interest exceed that of last year, with an increase in international participation.

"It’s been wonderful having Telecel Ghana’s steady partnership in keeping the golf tradition thriving and improving on the quality of the tournament each year,” Mr. Attah-Antwi said.

In addition to the golf tournament, Telecel Ghana is marking its annual Ashanti Month this June with a range of activities, including market trade activations, enterprise customer engagements, expansion of community shops, health outreach, educational donations, and greening initiatives.

The suite of activities is aimed at promoting sports, supporting socioeconomic and digital inclusion, and enhancing the overall well-being of the region.

Telecel Group Board Chair Nicolas Bourg reaffirmed the telco’s commitment to investing in connectivity and social impact in the Ashanti region.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Ashanti Kingdom. Over the years, this relationship has grown from strength to strength, allowing us to connect lives, support businesses, and uplift communities across the region.”

The tournament climaxed with a spectacular Royal Dinner and Awards Gala at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall to celebrate distinguished golfers across all categories.

Guests arrived in elegant black tie and evening gowns, greeted by live band music and a regal ambience befitting the Ashanti Kingdom’s heritage.

Speaking at the royal dinner, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reflected on his earliest golfing experience some 26 years ago, when he first stepped onto the golf course.

Despite initial objections from royal protocol, he persuaded his mother and palace custodians to allow him to play golf regularly.

“I enjoy golf, and it remains the only way I can meet so many wonderful people on the golf course who share this passion. I’m grateful to Telecel for supporting this golf competition each year.

"I inherited the tournament, and I pray it continues to thrive. I will do everything possible to make golf one of the leading sports in Ghana.”

Amid fine dining and live band performances, trophies and certificates were presented to outstanding players in their respective categories, including professional, championship, handicap and sponsors among others.

Corporate golfers were not left out. Among the competitors from Telecel Ghana, Samuel Sarpong received the Overall Runner-Up award in the Sponsors category.

As the live band music faded and the last dance ended, the 68th Asantehene Open stood once again as a world-class sporting event with a blend of traditional heritage, corporate partnership, and the enduring power of community.