The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, says he is working to develop the abilities of young people in the region while promoting sporting activities as part of efforts to nurture future football talent.

As part of activities marking AshantiFest 2026, the minister has been organising community football matches and is currently overseeing an inter-district Under-17 football tournament across the region.

According to Dr Amoakohene, the initiative is designed to identify genuinely talented young footballers and develop their skills so they can progress to higher levels in the sport and eventually contribute to Ghana’s national teams.

He made the remarks while addressing the media during a quarter-final match of the tournament held at Offinso-Ahenkro in the Afigya Kwabre North District.

During the engagement, the minister urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) not to dissolve the teams formed for the competition after the tournament ends.

He emphasised that the teams should be maintained and sustained, noting that keeping them active would help build a stronger structure for identifying and developing football talent in the region.

Following the quarter-final matches, four district teams qualified for the semi-finals of the competition. They are Afigya Kwabre South, Afigya Kwabre North, Kwabre East, and Atwima Nwabiagya North.

Some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives have also praised the Regional Minister for the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward uncovering young football talent and supporting youth development.

Among those who commended the initiative were the District Chief Executive for Afigya Kwabre South, Pearl Patricia Ankrah, and the District Chief Executive for Afigya Kwabre North, Emmanuel Jackson Agumah, who both spoke about the impact of the programme on youth in their respective districts.