The Ashanti Region is bracing for a high-stakes football showdown this weekend as the Ashanti Regional U-17 Tournament reaches its much-anticipated climax.
The competition, which has become a primary stage for discovering grassroots talent, promises a weekend of elite youth football and high-octane drama.
Grassroots Development
Spearheaded by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the tournament was established to nurture young athletes and provide them with a competitive platform to showcase their skills.
The journey began in September 2025, as sports committees across various districts organized inter-community matches to scout the best local talent.
By October, 41 out of the region’s 43 districts had successfully assembled squads to enter the group stages.
The Road to the Finals
The competition followed a rigorous path to identify the region’s top contenders:
The Group Stage:
The 41 districts were divided into eight zones, with the top two teams from each zone advancing.
Round of 16:
In February 2026, the qualifying teams converged at Aboabo Akorem in Kumasi for the knockout phase.
The Quarter-Finals:
The action moved to Offinso Ahenkro in the Afigya Kwabre North District, where the field was narrowed down to the final four.
The Final Four:
Semifinal Pairings
On Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Paa Joe Stadium (KNUST) will host the penultimate matches and the grand finale. The semifinal matchups are as follows:
Match Fixtures:
Semifinal 1: Afigya Kwabre North vs. Afigya Kwabre South
Semifinal 2: Atwima Nwabiagya North vs. Kwabre East
Corporate Backing and Sponsorship:
The profile of the tournament received a significant boost with telecommunications giant MTN joining as the title sponsor.
Demonstrating their commitment to youth sports development, MTN is providing:
Official jerseys for all four semifinalists.
Trophies and medals for the winners and standout performers.
Logistical support to enhance the tournament’s professional standard.
Looking Ahead
Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene reiterated that the core mission of this initiative is to unearth the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.
With momentum at an all-time high, thousands of fans are expected to descend upon the Paa Joe Stadium this Sunday to witness the crowning of the Ashanti Region’s U-17 football tournament.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
