RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, CLARIFICATION AND DISCLAIMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
19th September 2026
The Duamenefa Foundation wishes to bring to the attention of the general public, stakeholders in football development, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), sponsors, supporters and the media recent developments concerning Mr. Freeman Gakli, the young footballer whose talent was identified during the Duamenefa Regional Tournament 2025.
The Foundation considers it necessary to issue this statement to clarify its position, address recent developments surrounding the player’s transfer and travel arrangements, and dissociate the Foundation and its recognised partners from any unauthorised representation, transaction or arrangement that may not have been sanctioned by the appropriate authorities of the Foundation.
BACKGROUND
Following the discovery of Freeman Gakli’s footballing talent during the Duamenefa Regional Tournament, efforts were undertaken to facilitate his development and provide him with an opportunity to pursue football at a higher level.
As part of these efforts, Freeman was transferred from Banana Inn FC to Sesi Edem Football Academy, owners of Wortikpo Wonders FC of Kpetoe, following the intervention of the Executive Board of Governors of the Duamenefa Foundation.
The Foundation further understands that Mr. Patrick Amazing Doamekpor, then serving as Director of Sports, together with his assistant, Mr. Helegbe, played a role in facilitating arrangements relating to Freeman’s proposed movement and development.
The Foundation was subsequently informed of arrangements involving a football agent identified as Mr. Amando, based in Cyprus, with the stated objective of facilitating Freeman’s football development and possible placement with a club in Cyprus.
In connection with these arrangements, the Executive President of the Foundation was requested to transfer approximately GH¢18,000.00 as a bank guarantee in respect of Freeman Gakli. The amount was subsequently transferred through a GCB domiciliary account on behalf of Sesi Edem Football Academy and Wortikpo Football Club.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The Foundation and its Board of Governors continued to await the formal completion of Freeman’s arrangements and his eventual return and/or handover under the agreed football development structure.
On Thursday, 10th September 2026, the Executive President of the Foundation, together with the main sponsor and officially recognised football development agent of the tournament, His Excellency Dr. Atokple, held a conference call with Mr. Amando to establish the status of Freeman Gakli, particularly in view of the expiration of the player’s visa on 14th September 2026.
During the discussion, Mr. Amando reportedly spoke positively about Freeman’s footballing abilities and indicated that the player had potential to attract opportunities with clubs in Europe. He also explained that delays in Freeman’s journey had resulted in the relevant seasonal registration window closing before his arrival.
Mr. Amando therefore advised that arrangements be made for Freeman’s return to Ghana, while indicating that further opportunities could become available in January 2027.
The Foundation was further informed that arrangements were being made by Mr. Patrick Amazing Doamekpor and Mr. Helegbe for Freeman’s return ticket.
Following the meeting, the Foundation, through its Director responsible for Monitoring and Evaluation, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Nartey, sought clarification from the persons involved regarding Freeman’s proposed return and subsequent reporting to Sesi Edem Football Academy.
However, on the evening of 11th September 2026, the Foundation received information indicating that Freeman’s return ticket had reportedly been re-routed to Athens, with the available travel document indicating travel on Tuesday, 15th September 2026.
The circumstances surrounding the re-routing of the ticket and the subsequent travel arrangements have raised concerns within the Foundation and require proper verification and investigation.
FREEMAN GAKLI’S PETITION TO THE GFA
The Foundation has also been informed that Freeman Gakli subsequently petitioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) seeking clarification or determination regarding his player status.
Among the matters reportedly raised was an assertion that Freeman did not know Wortikpo FC, the main sponsor, or the Foundation’s officially recognised football development arrangements.
The Foundation notes that this position appears to require clarification, particularly in light of previous communications attributed to the player, including a voice note in which Freeman expressed appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Atokple for their involvement and support.
The Foundation does not wish to prejudge the outcome of any inquiry or proceedings that may arise from this matter. It therefore calls for all relevant facts, documents and communications to be properly examined before conclusions are reached.
FINANCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CONCERNS
Sesi Edem Football Academy and Wortikpo Wonders FC have reportedly incurred substantial expenditure in connection with Freeman Gakli’s development and proposed travel arrangements.
These expenses are understood to include costs associated with preliminary arrangements, medical and police reports, insurance, bank guarantees, flight tickets and other related expenses.
Given the financial commitments involved, together with the potential impact on the reputation of the Foundation and its partners, the Foundation considers it necessary to establish a complete and accurate record of events.
The Foundation is particularly concerned about any activity or representation that may have been undertaken without proper authorisation or outside the established framework governing the development of players identified through the Duamenefa Regional Tournament.
OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER
The Duamenefa Foundation hereby states clearly that it does not authorise any individual to enter into unauthorised agreements, make financial commitments, negotiate on behalf of the Foundation, or represent the Foundation or its officially recognised football development partners without the appropriate institutional authority.
The Foundation further advises the public, football clubs, agents, sponsors and other stakeholders to exercise due diligence before entering into any transaction or arrangement purportedly connected to the Duamenefa Foundation, the Duamenefa Regional Tournament, Sesi Edem Football Academy or Wortikpo Wonders FC.
Any person who claims to be acting on behalf of the Foundation is expected to produce appropriate evidence of such authority.
The Foundation also wishes to emphasise that this statement is being issued for clarification and protection of the interests of all parties concerned and should not be construed as a final determination of liability against any individual. All persons mentioned in connection with this matter are entitled to due process and an opportunity to respond to any allegations or concerns raised.
NEXT STEPS
The Duamenefa Foundation is taking steps to preserve and review all relevant documentation and evidence, including:
– recorded telephone conferences and meetings;
– voice notes and other communications;
– correspondence relating to Freeman Gakli;
– travel documents and ticketing records;
– financial transaction records;
– documents relating to the player’s transfer and development; and
– communications involving the relevant football development partners and agents.
The Foundation will also engage the relevant stakeholders, including Sesi Edem Football Academy, Wortikpo Wonders FC and the Ghana Football Association, where necessary, to establish a clear and documented position concerning Freeman Gakli’s status and future development.
The Foundation further reserves the right, following appropriate internal review and due process, to take administrative action against any officer or representative found to have acted contrary to the Foundation’s directives, interests or established procedures.
CONCLUSION
The Duamenefa Foundation remains committed to discovering, nurturing and promoting young footballing talents identified through the Duamenefa Regional Tournament.
Freeman Gakli’s story remains important to the Foundation, and the organisation’s primary concern is to ensure that the player’s welfare, development and future opportunities are handled responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the applicable football regulations and institutional agreements.
The Foundation therefore calls on all stakeholders to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information while the relevant facts are being established.
A formal clarification and disclaimer will also be made during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme scheduled for Sunday, 20th September 2026, as part of the Foundation’s commitment to transparency and accountability
The Foundation acknowledges Almighty God as the source of its establishment and mission and remains committed to protecting the credibility, integrity and good name of the organisation and its partners.
“A stitch in time saves nine.”
Issued by:
EMMANUEL KETAMAN EVORTEPE
Executive President
DUAMENEFA FOUNDATION
For further clarification and official enquiries, all communications should be directed through the authorised representatives of the Duamenefa Foundation. Email fafaa100.3fm@yahoo.com hotline – 0242313766