The Council of State Member for the Volta Region and Founder of the Tanko Foundation, Mr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has called on political, traditional, and community leaders to work together in advancing the region’s development agenda.

Speaking at the Grand Finale of the 2025 Duamenefa Regional Tournament, he urged leaders to move beyond partisan and local divides to build a united front capable of delivering tangible progress for the people of Volta.

Before a distinguished audience that included Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff; Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister; Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, MP for Ketu North; and several foreign diplomats, H.E. Tanko described unity as the foundation of sustainable development and “the bridge between the region’s potential and its prosperity.”

“Torgbuiwo, Mamawo, our political leaders, I humbly plead with you to eschew petty rivalries and foster unity among ourselves,” he stated. “For it is only in peace and cooperation that true progress can be achieved. Let us stand together as Voltarians, not as fragmented localities.”

Mr Tanko emphasised that the Duamenefa Tournament represents more than a sports competition; it is a tested community development model that promotes peace, discipline, and opportunity among the youth. Through partnerships between the Tanko Foundation and the Duamenefa Foundation, the tournament has evolved into a regional platform for youth empowerment, education, and talent discovery.

He reiterated that the Foundation’s contribution to the initiative was “not a gesture of charity, but a deliberate investment in human capital, safety, and social cohesion.”

“Development must not be left to government alone,” he remarked. “It is a shared responsibility that requires the private sector, civil society, and traditional institutions to work hand in hand.”

He further called on regional authorities and government agencies to integrate the Duamenefa model into official development frameworks, provide dedicated funding for youth and sports programmes, and establish structured pathways connecting regional talent to national and international opportunities.

“The Tanko and Duamenefa Foundations have demonstrated what works,” he said. “The question now is whether we treat this as a pilot or as a blueprint for wider regional transformation.”

Turning his attention to the youth, he encouraged discipline, resilience, and service to the community.

“You are the commonwealth of this region, bright, capable, and destined for greatness,” he told them. “Dream large but plan well. When you make it, give back. The measure of success is not what you gain, but what you return to your community.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Tanko Foundation’s commitment to advancing youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and inclusive growth, adding that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remains the key to unlocking the Volta Region’s full potential.

“The Volta Region has every ingredient for greatness,” he said. “What remains is unity of purpose. When we act together, across parties, faiths, and communities, there is no dream beyond our reach.”