Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, says football’s power to unite communities and drive development cannot be underestimated, as he opened the 2026 Volta Middle League in Ho on Saturday.
Mr. Gunu made the remarks before leading a ceremonial balloon cutting that marked the start of the competition.
The opening ceremony was also dedicated to the memory of Mohammed Haruna Muniru, founder of Yadzo Oti Warriors FC, who died in the early hours of Friday.
“The power of sports, and football in particular, cannot be underestimated. Football promotes unity and culture, team spirit, great career opportunities, inspires young people, promotes leadership, and boosts local economies.” He said.
Volta FA Patron, Mr. Justus Ayivor, Volta FA Chairman, Daniel Agbogah, Martin Davidson of Mart ‘D’ Electricals, sponsors of the Division Two League, and former South Tongu MP, Kobina Woyome, joined the Honourable Minister for the ceremony.
Chairman Agbogah used the occasion to announce that the Volta FA would plant 1000 trees, having already planted 800 across the region through its trophy tour, linking the competition to climate action.
“What I see today, I see a big hope. The vision is on course,” Agbogah said.
“We can use football to address the impact of climate change. So we decided to use our trophy tour to plant 1,000 trees across the region,” he stated.
He said 800 trees had already been planted across the districts and municipalities of the eight participating teams, with the remaining 200 set for Ho on Friday.
The Regional Minister performed the ceremonial kick to officially open the competition.
Matches began immediately after the opening ceremony, with the final scheduled for 31 May, 2026 in Ho.
Present at the opening ceremony were all Executive Council members, officers from the National Sports Authority, Dzidodo Adjahoe Ruben, and Jennifer Kokukumah, several dignitaries, all participating clubs, supporters, and stakeholders as well as football enthusiasts.
The Middle League is the final phase of the ongoing Division Two League and serves as a qualifying series for clubs seeking promotion to the national Division One League.
VRFA Communications
