By: Albert Parker Narteh
The 4th FNB Head of State Invitational Golf Tournament came to a colourful close at the iconic Achimota Golf Club in Accra, attracting more than 140 amateur golfers from clubs across the country. This year’s edition carried an added sense of prestige as President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, performed the ceremonial tee-offs to officially open the competition.
Held under the theme “Giving Back to the Community Through Golf,” the 2025 tournament reaffirmed its reputation as one of Ghana’s most distinguished amateur golf events, held annually under the patronage of the sitting President.
Speaking at the closing ceremony after experiencing his first full taste of golf, President John Dramani Mahama expressed enthusiasm for taking up the sport.
He lauded the organizers and sponsors for staging a successful event and assured that the Celebrity Golf Club land issue would be given priority attention.
Chairman of the event Prince Kofi Amoabeng and Achimota Golf Club President Frank Adu Jnr. applauded the event organizers for maintaining the tradition of associating the tournament with the presidency.
Mr Frank Adu Jr also said Golf has the potentials of creating employment,teaching and training and also installing discipline among the youth. He added that the Achimota Golf Club under his leadership sponsored and granted scholarship to some young golfers within the club to participate in international Golf competitions out side Ghana to gain the needed exposure and experience.
Mr Adu Jr again informed the gathering that through the effort of the leadership of Achimota Golf Club, four Ghanaian amateur Golfers have currently been ranked in the world for the first time in the history of the country.
The AGC expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his continued support for sports development and urged his government to invest further in the sports sector, citing its social and economic benefits.
Executive Director of FNB, Sylvia Inkoom, praised the organizers for delivering a well-coordinated tournament and expressed her institution’s appreciation for the opportunity to support the event. Ghana Golf Association President Kwaku Okyere and Sports Minister Kofi Adams also highlighted the game’s contributions to leisure, tourism and national development. Minister Adams appealed to the President to intervene in the ongoing land encroachment issues at the Celebrity Golf Club.
The tournament which was organized by Northwestern Solutions in partnership with the Ghana Golf Association, with First National Bank (FNB) serving as headline sponsor. Additional support came from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Aphro, La Villa Aphro, Mundus, SAP GP, Danny List Foundation, Caveman Watches, The Luckiest, John Walker Nguvu Mining Limited and others.
Blessed with perfect weather and a vibrant atmosphere, golfers competed fiercely across four divisions, each mindful of the bragging right and prestige attached to the event.
In the men’s category John Ayayee emerged champion with an impressive 44 points, beating Elisee Sezan and Isaac Asante, who finished second and third respectively for the (handicap 9)
In the Men’s Group B division, Esukis Esukise Martin (handicap 24) topped the field with 46 points, followed by Kingsley Ayesu in second place and John Djiedjorm Jaja in third.
The Ladies Group A category was won by Canada-based golfer Flora Hurtubisae, who lived up to her pre-tournament promise by finishing with 40 points. Vastie Amoafo Yeboah and Mary Prempeh secured the second and third positions.
In Ladies Group B, Marlene Tonyigah claimed the top prize, with Princess Nkansah Boadu and Kous Louanges Mang, the Lady Captain of Achimota Golf Club, placing second and third respectively.
