In a passionate effort to nurture football talent in Akuapem South, Member of Parliament Hon. Lawrencia Dziwornu has organized a two-day football tournament at the Adonten Park in Aburi, drawing participation from eight teams: Shake Foundation, Okuapeman FC, Courage SC, Barnabas FC, Warriors FC, Deportivo FC, Pokrom United, and Agape FC.
The event attracted a remarkable gathering of football royalty, including former Black Stars stars Laryea Kingston, Afriyie Acquah, Jerry Akaminko, and former Assistant Coach of the Black Stars, Maxwell Konadu. Also present was Yussif Chibsah, Licensed Player Intermediary and Head of Player Relations at the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG).
Sports and Recreation Minister, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, graced the occasion, commending Hon. Dziwornu for her forward-thinking initiative. He praised her efforts, describing her as “one of the few first-term MPs working assiduously,” and noted that the tournament aligns with the broader RESET Agenda promised by President Mahama in the area of sports development.
In an exclusive interview with ABC Sports, Hon. Dziwornu expressed her ambition to see at least five players from her constituency represent Ghana at various national team levels. She pledged to expand the tournament in subsequent editions and hopes to attract more high-profile guests and scouts.
Former Ghana international and Ghana U-17 coach, Laryea Kingston, who now specializes in youth development, pledged his full support for the MP’s sporting initiatives. “It was through one of such tournaments that players like Stephen Appiah and I were discovered,” he stated.
Maxwell Konadu also addressed the young players, offering words of encouragement and stressing the importance of discipline and dedication.
Though unable to attend in person, Tottenham Hotspur defender and Austria international, Kevin Danso, sent his regards from London, where he is currently in pre-season training.
Hon. Lawrencia Dziwornu’s initiative marks a significant step in harnessing sports for development in Akuapem South, and her vision for unearthing and promoting talent is already winning national attention.
