By Tilda Acorlor
As part of its trophy tour, the Gbese Mantse Homowo Cup has arrived in the Volta Regional Capital, Ho.
Accompanying the prestigious cup were organizers of the event led by Mr. Anim Addo on behalf of the Chief of Gbese, in the Greater Accra Region, His Royal Majesty Nii Ayi-Bonte II.
The team met the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu to inform him of the event and seek his guidance and blessings for Kpando Heart of Lions, a team from the Volta Region competing in the Homowo Cup.
Hon. James Gunu who heartily received the organizers on behalf of the people of the Volta Region, said he was happy with the initiative of the Homowo Charity Cup, especially the decision to involve a team from the his region.
He pledged his support towards the event and promised to be available on the day of the game.
“We all know what football means for this nation. It unites the nation, and that is one of our goals, the moment we are united as one people and there is peace, there can be accelerated development.” he said.
“We at Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) are going to support Heart of Lions Football Club, and I believe this trophy will come back to the region because it belongs to Lions and the people of Akpini Traditional Area.” he added.
“I’m going to show my colleague Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo that, Volta Region is the best in terms of football.” Hon. Gunu said.
The delegation further paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr. Franklin Agbanyo.
Mr. Addo expressed gratitude to GBC for a heartwarming reception, he said the Homowo Cup which is organized annually by the Gbese Mantse is aimed at championing development, promotion of peace and unity between the Volta and the Greater Accra Regions.
He shared the deep cultural and political importance of the event, noting that the Homowo festival is more than a celebration of harvest.
“The cup marks an important celebration of peace, unity, and excellence in football as part of the broader Homowo Festival commemoration,” he said.
The Homowo Cup is scheduled for August 17, 2025 between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium.
In a symbolic gesture, the cup was presented to the Regional Minister and the Regional Director of GBC.
In his address, the GBC Regional Director, Mr. Agbanyo commended the organizers for using sports to unify the two regions.
He encouraged Kpando Hearts of Lions to win the cup and represent the region well.
“Sports unifies every front, this is not a fight but a football match, Volta Regions Hearts of Lions represent the hearts of the region. The cup must stay here in the region” he said.
“The sky should be your limit, Make sure to win this beautiful trophy for the Volta Region,” he added.
Mr. Agbanyo urged Kpando Hearts of Lions to win the Ghana Premier League trophy in the upcoming season.
A member of the organizing team, Joseph Langabel called on the Volta Chiefs and traditional leaders to emulate the same gesture, citing the Hogbetsotso and Asogli Yam Festivals as a means to promote great sportsmanship.
The Homowo Cup is an annual charity football match organized to honour the cultural heritage of the Ga people in promoting peace, unity, and football development.
Other members of the delegation include the Administrative Manager of Kpando Heart of Lions, Stephen Botchway, Eric Eli Adzie, the Communications Director.
The rest are Jeff Ofori, Joseph Langabel, and Abieku Dadzie, who are part of the organizers.
The trophy’s next stop will be at Kpando, home of Kpando Hearts of Lions.
