The press launch and official draw for the 4th edition of the OMJ SoccerFest – Akuapem South 2026, dubbed “Ahwerase 2026,” was successfully held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the luxurious Arrow’s Lounge in Aburi, with a massive turnout of stakeholders, traditional authorities, football administrators, teams, media and supporters.
The event, which officially ushered in this year’s tournament activities ahead of the finals in July, brought together all sixteen participating teams, with coaches and playing body leadership fully represented. Traditional leaders from Akuapem South, especially from Ahwerase, the host community for this year’s finals, were present in full support of the initiative and its vision of youth empowerment and community development through football.
Speaking on behalf of the Ahwerase Traditional Council, Nana Amoako Ansah, the Ampofohene, who was delegated by the Council headed by Nana Opare Kwaffo, the Guest of Honour, assured all participating teams and stakeholders of peace, unity and harmony throughout the competition period. He warmly welcomed all teams to Ahwerase and encouraged them to compete fairly and successfully during the tournament.
Mr. Osei Mensah Joseph (OMJ), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the OMJ Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders for their continuous commitment and support towards the OMJ Foundation and the OMJ SoccerFest initiative over the years.
Addressing players, coaches and team officials, he urged them to give their best performances and maintain discipline throughout the competition. He further charged the youth within the Akuapem South Municipality to continue dreaming beyond their circumstances and strive towards greatness.
“Never allow your current condition to define your future. Your background should not limit your destiny. There is hope ahead. There is greatness within you. Keep believing. Keep working. Keep dreaming,” he stated.
“To our players and teams, remember this: football is not only about winning trophies. It is about discipline, respect, teamwork and character. Use this platform wisely,” he added.
One of the major highlights of the evening was the official draw ceremony, where the sixteen teams were grouped ahead of the tournament. Several exciting fixtures emerged from the draw, including what many stakeholders described as the “Group of Death,” dramatic group pairings, and some highly anticipated blockbuster matches expected to thrill football lovers across the municipality.
Above all, the prizes for both teams and individual performers were officially announced, with stakeholders describing them as highly attractive and motivating enough to enhance competitiveness throughout the tournament. Cash prizes, trophies, medals, jerseys, citations and honorary plaques were all unveiled as part of the reward package for the competition.
In addition, other major activities lined up for the tournament were officially outdoored. These include the Akuapem All-Black Street Carnival, which will commence on the eve of the tournament, the Akuapem Business and Innovation Fair (Exhibition), the Inter-Community Cooking Competition, as well as a free health screening exercise, all aimed at promoting unity, culture, business development and community wellbeing alongside the football fiesta.
The media presence at the event was equally impressive, with strong coverage from both traditional and digital media outlets, reflecting the growing stature and influence of the OMJ SoccerFest brand within Akuapem South and beyond.
Entertainment on the night was provided by the energetic Berekuso Jama Group, alongside performances from local music artistes, who thrilled patrons and added excitement and cultural flavour to the occasion.
The OMJ SoccerFest – Akuapem South has over the years become one of the most impactful grassroots football competitions within Akuapem South, using sports as a tool for youth development, talent discovery, social unity and community transformation.
This year’s edition, Ahwerase 2026, themed “From The Pitch To The People: Uniting To Build For Progress,” is scheduled for July 3–5, 2026, and is expected to be one of the biggest and most competitive editions in the history of the tournament.
