Konkonuru has won the third OMJ SoccerFest title by defeating debut finalists Tabankro 2–1
Konkonuru have once again written their name into the history of the OMJ SoccerFest, defeating debut finalists Tabankro 2–1 in a thrilling grand finale to secure a record third championship title.
Held under the theme, “From The Pitch To The People: Uniting To Build For Progress,” the fourth edition of the OMJ SoccerFest evolved into much more than a football tournament.
Over three days, the newly constructed Ahwerase JHS School Park became the centre of activity in Akuapem South, attracting more than 7,000 spectators, with daily attendance consistently exceeding 2,000.
The festival drew an impressive cross-section of society, including traditional authorities, government officials, clergy, political leaders and football enthusiasts from across Akuapem South Municipality.
Among the distinguished guests were the Akuapem Adonten Divisional Head and Chief of Aburi, HRM Otoobuor Djan Kwesi II; Nana Opare Kwaffo I, Adehyehene of Akuapem Ahwerase; Okyekyerekuro Kwame Sakyi, Abotakyihene; as well as eminent Akyeame, queen mothers and sub-chiefs from both the Aburi and Ahwerase Traditional Councils.
Sixteen communities competed fiercely in the group stage before advancing to the knockout rounds.
Group A produced Ahwerase and Peduase as quarter-finalists, while Konkonuru and Dumpong advanced from Group B. Berekusu and Pakro progressed from Group C, with Ahyiresu and Tabankro securing qualification from Group D.
After a series of highly competitive knockout fixtures, Konkonuru and tournament debutants Tabankro earned places in the final. Despite Tabankro’s spirited display, Konkonuru’s experience and clinical finishing proved decisive as they secured a 2–1 victory to reclaim the championship.
Outstanding individual performances were recognised during the closing ceremony.
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Joseph Quaicoe (Konkonuru)
Top Scorer: Koomson Anthony (Konkonuru) – 5 goals, becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot twice after previously claiming the award in 2024.
Golden Gloves: Isaac Gyan (Konkonuru), earning the honour for the second time after first winning it during the tournament’s maiden edition.
Discovery Player: Samuel Tornu (Pakro)
Winning teams and outstanding individuals received trophies, medals, cash prizes, plaques, citations, footballs, complete sets of jerseys and other awards in recognition of their achievements.
Addressing the packed stadium, HRM Otoobuor Djan Kwesi II expressed admiration for the scale, organisation and professionalism of the festival.
He praised the OMJ Foundation for creating a platform that continues to unite communities, inspire young people and positively project the Akuapem South Municipality.
The revered traditional ruler encouraged the Foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Osei Mensah Joseph (OMJ), to remain steadfast in his vision of empowering young people through sports, education and entrepreneurship, describing the festival as one of the municipality’s most impactful annual community development initiatives
Host chief Nana Opare Kwaffo also expressed profound appreciation to the OMJ Foundation for selecting Ahwerase to host the fourth edition.
He noted that the influx of thousands of visitors significantly boosted the local economy, benefiting food vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers, traders and artisans.
According to him, the festival strengthened relationships among participating communities while showcasing Ahwerase’s hospitality and potential as a destination for major events.
He further urged all participating communities to continue embracing peace, discipline, unity and mutual respect, emphasising that sports remain one of the strongest instruments for social cohesion and community development.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the OMJ Foundation, Osei Mensah Joseph (OMJ), expressed gratitude to the traditional authorities, sponsors, development partners, volunteers, security services, health professionals, media organisations, participating teams and thousands of supporters whose contributions made the event a historic success.
He explained that the OMJ SoccerFest was established with a clear vision of discovering, developing and promoting football talent within Akuapem South while using sports as a catalyst for sustainable community development.
Tracing the tournament’s evolution, he observed that what began as a community football competition has rapidly grown into one of the municipality’s biggest annual festivals, creating opportunities not only in sports but also in health, education, entrepreneurship, tourism and economic empowerment.
Joseph reiterated that the Foundation deliberately adopted the 2026 theme, “From The Pitch To The People: Uniting To Build For Progress,” to reinforce the belief that sports must serve as a platform for education, healthy living, entrepreneurship, social inclusion and community transformation.
He further reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding the festival, attracting more strategic partnerships, increasing investment in youth development and creating even greater opportunities for talented young people across Akuapem South and beyond.
Among the festival’s biggest attractions was the Akuapem All-Black Street Carnival, which transformed Ahwerase into a vibrant centre of music, entertainment and community celebration over three consecutive nights.
Ghanaian music duo Keche thrilled the large crowd with an energetic performance, alongside several other talented artistes who entertained patrons throughout the festival
In partnership with La Vonce, the Inter-Community Cooking Competition had five communities lock horns in a traditional food cooking contest. Aburi Krubi won with Konkonte and Nkatenkwan; Oboadaka came second with Banku and Okro Stew; and Ahwerase came third with Fufu and Abenkwan.
JHM
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