In a bid to nurture young talent and promote sports diversity, Member of Parliament for Sunyani East, Mr. Seid Mubarak, has turned the spotlight on table tennis, a discipline often overshadowed in Ghana’s sports development landscape.
The lawmaker spearheaded a community-based table tennis tournament at Twene Amanfo Senior High and Technical School, drawing scores of enthusiastic youth and sports stakeholders from across the constituency. The initiative is part of his broader vision to empower young people through sports and provide them with opportunities beyond the conventional fields of football and athletics.
Speaking to the media during the event, Mr. Mubarak emphasised the need to give equal attention to all sports. “To me, no sport is lesser. Table tennis can be just as transformative for young people as any other discipline,” he said.
He also called on government and private sector stakeholders to consider the construction of a multi-purpose sports complex in the area to support the development of various sporting disciplines.
Call for Facilities to Boost Grassroots Development
Bono Regional Sports Director, Mr. Foster Kwame Opoku Boakye, who graced the occasion, echoed the MP’s sentiments. He highlighted the lack of adequate sports infrastructure as a key challenge hampering the growth of table tennis in the region. Despite this, he assured that the Regional Sports Authority is making efforts to rejuvenate the sport by introducing table tennis clinics in schools.
Emerging Champions
The tournament saw impressive performances across all categories. In the elite division, Reginald Addo Ankamah emerged champion after a thrilling contest with Benjamin Frempong, while Eric Adomah placed third. The Team “B” division was won by Bright Kuffour, with Bismark Yeboah and Francis Darko taking second and third places respectively.
In the female division, Lovely Akua Agyeman dazzled the crowd with her skill, clinching the top spot after a commanding win over Raheal Adoma. Beatrice Amoako finished third.
Winners were honoured with medals, certificates, and cash prizes as recognition for their efforts and motivation to keep training.
The tournament not only showcased the region’s emerging table tennis talent but also reignited a conversation about the need to invest in underrepresented sports. Mr. Mubarak’s initiative sets a precedent for using community-centered events as a platform for talent development and youth engagement.
