The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Fafaa 100.3 FM, Mr. Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, has stated that the Duamenefa Regional Tournament is a youth development initiative designed to promote football talent and not a profit-making venture.
Mr. Evortepe made the clarification on Thursday, 8 January 2026, during a live end-of-year review programme on Fafaa 100.3 FM.
He explained that the statement became necessary following attempts by the Headmaster and some teachers of Dzodze-Penyi Senior High School (DZOSSEC) to stop the Duamenefa Foundation from hosting the Duamenefa Regional Tournament and its grand durbar at the DZOSSEC Park.
According to Mr. Evortepe, he received information from the Paramount Chief of the Dzodze Traditional Area, Torgbui Dzoku V, that the school authorities had lodged a complaint against the foundation regarding the use of the school park. He said he subsequently met the headmaster, Mr. Agbotadua Vidzro Joshua, and some teachers at the palace of the Paramount Chief to address the concerns.
He noted that the school authorities raised issues including allegations of smoking on the school premises, disturbance of female students, and the absence of a formal agreement permitting the foundation to use the park. Based on these concerns, the school decided to withdraw permission for the foundation’s activities at the venue.
Mr. Evortepe described the allegations as surprising, stating that the Duamenefa Foundation had used the DZOSSEC Park for approximately nine years without any such objections. He questioned the timing of the complaints and suggested that external influence might have contributed to the situation.
He emphasized that the Duamenefa Foundation has consistently supported DZOSSEC through the Costheta Educational Support Fund, which provides financial assistance and laptops to deserving students. He added that Fafaa 100.3 FM also offers free media publicity for the school and pays the required facility usage fees after each tournament.
Mr. Evortepe further disclosed that organizing the Duamenefa Regional Tournament involves substantial financial commitments, placing a significant burden on both the Duamenefa Foundation and Fafaa 100.3 FM. He noted that major financial support for the tournament was provided by His Excellency Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, who bore the larger portion of the cost, with additional contributions from the foundation and the radio station.
He stressed that proceeds from the tournament do not benefit him personally, adding that the initiative is driven solely by a desire to support youth development and promote Dzodze through sports.
Mr. Evortepe revealed that the tournament has helped many young footballers secure opportunities in Division One, Division Two, and the Ghana Premier League, while others have obtained contracts with football clubs outside the country.
In view of the objections raised by the school authorities, he said he initially informed Torgbui Dzoku V of his intention to relocate the tournament and grand durbar to an alternative venue. However, the Paramount Chief opposed the move and led a delegation to engage the school authorities, who nonetheless maintained their stance.
Mr. Evortepe described the situation as tense ahead of the Duamenefa Grand Durbar at the DZOSSEC Park, adding that His Eminence Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple also intervened in efforts to resolve the impasse.
He concluded by reiterating that the Duamenefa Regional Tournament remains a developmental platform aimed at discovering, nurturing, and showcasing young football talent, rather than a commercial enterprise.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
