Launched on June 28, 2025, at the Arrow Events Annexe in Aburi, OMJ SOCCERFEST 2025 delivered an electrifying edition of the popular football festival in the Eastern Region.
The event, anchored under the theme “Harnessing Talents for Sustainable National Development,” drew communities from across the Akuapem South Municipality.
Following the zonal qualifiers, which covered 24 out of the 26 electoral areas in the municipality, twelve towns secured their spots in the championship finals hosted in Obodan.
The teams were drawn into four groups, with each eyeing the prestigious title and the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award—a scholarship enabling a football career in Turkey.
Founder and CEO of OMJ Foundation, Mr. Osei Mensah Joseph, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting his vision.
“This dream birthed OMJ FOUNDATION, whose purpose is to give back to society through acts of service. Our initiatives include the OMJ ‘YES’ Initiative (Youth Empowerment Support), OMJ Widows’ Mite, OMJ Educational Support, OMJ High-Level Advocacy, and OMJ SOCCERFEST, among others,” he said.
Prizes this year included a giant trophy, medals, jerseys, cash awards, citations, and household items such as gas stoves.
Before the finals, His Royal Majesty Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Okuapehene, blessed the festival during the last Awukudae of the year at his palace in Akropong. The OMJ team presented the king with a customized shirt, while he signed a shirt and football for the tournament’s best player.
The festivities officially began on August 1 with the Akuapem All Black Street Carnival in Obodan. Residents and visitors celebrated with music, dance, food, and drinks, while engaging in community sensitization activities ahead of the football matches.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday, August 2, featuring twelve high-stakes matches that drew thousands of spectators. Complementary activities included a Free Health Screening, organized with the Akuapem South Municipal Health Directorate, benefiting over 400 people.
The grand finale on Sunday, August 3, brought even more excitement. The Cooking Competition, a new addition this year, featured six towns in a culinary showdown, preparing traditional Akuapem dishes and continental meals, paired with locally made fruit juices.
A Mega Exhibition also debuted, showcasing crafts from eleven local basic schools alongside products from regional companies.
Mr. Osei Mensah Joseph lauded the contributions of all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political and religious figures, academics, security personnel, and representatives from the Ministry of Sports, as well as domestic and international scouts, for supporting the festival’s success.
Football Results:
Group A: Obodan, Dago, Ahwerase
Group B: Konkonuru, Gyankama, Kitase
Group C: Obotweri, Aburi, Nsakye
Group D: Oboadaka, Pokrom, Kwame Ntow
Individual Awards:
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MVP: Solomon Aboagye (Obodan)
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Golden Gloves: Emmanuel Mensah (Nsakye)
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Top Scorers: Asante Desmond (Nsakye) – 2 goals, Amissah Geoffrey (Obodan) – 2 goals
OMJ SOCCERFEST 2025 All-Star XI:
Emmanuel Mensah (Nsakye)
Solomon Aboagye (Obodan)
Enoch Sackey (Ahwerase)
Justice Ababio (Konkonuru)
Christopher Ahenkora (Kitase)
Samuel Awuku (Kwame Ntow)
Lakazet Kwanor (Nsakye)
Frank Agyei (Aburi)
Kwaku Quansah (Oboadaka)
Jake Osae (Kitase)
Bruce Parry (Aburi)
Cooking Competition Winners:
1st Place – Group A (Konkonuru/Kitase): Fufu with Abenkwan, Plain Rice with Gravy, Ginger Drink
2nd Place – Group C (Obodan): Aprapransa, Fried Rice, Watermelon Drink
3rd Place – Group B (Oboadaka/Pokrom): Mpotompoto, Jollof Rice, Pineapple Drink
Diaspora Girls Senior High School participated in a non-scoring capacity.
Event Highlights:
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Football Teams: 12
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Cooking Teams: 6
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Registered Football Players: 312
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Matches Played: 19
OMJ SOCCERFEST 2025 not only showcased sporting talent but also highlighted local culture, culinary skills, and community development, solidifying its place as a premier festival in the Eastern Region.