The Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi was crowned winners of the fifth edition of the Annual Osagyefo Cup Competition held to mark the birthday of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. The competition, organised on every Founders Day, at the Half Assini Senior High School (HASCO) in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, saw GSTS, popularly known as the ‘Giants of the West’ beat their counterparts Kikam Technical Institute (KIMTECH), from the Ellembele District 4-2 on penalties after sixty minutes of goalless draw.

The giant’s goalie, Master Frempong Manso, who was adjudged the best of the tournament, stole the show with his antics when he denied KIMTECH three penalties leading his team to lift the trophy as first timers. The 2015 champions took away a giant trophy, cash prize of GH¢ 1,000, gold medals, a set of jersey and certificates of honour, the second position team also had silver medals, cash prize of GH¢ 500, a set of jersey and certificates of honour, whilst HASCO took the third position and was presented with bronze medals and a set of jersey. Other award winners include, Master Solomon Pamford of GSTS, who was adjudged the best player of the tournament, Isaac Annan of GSTS also got the best Defender award.

stole the show with his antics when he denied KIMTECH three penalties leading his team to lift the trophy as first timers. The 2015 champions took away a giant trophy, cash prize of GH¢ 1,000, gold medals, a set of jersey and certificates of honour, the second position team also had silver medals, cash prize of GH¢ 500, a set of jersey and certificates of honour, whilst HASCO took the third position and was presented with bronze medals and a set of jersey. Other award winners include, Master Solomon Pamford of GSTS, who was adjudged the best player of the tournament, Isaac Annan of GSTS also got the best Defender award.

Nsein Senior High school was also named as the fair play team of the tournament, Master Kofi Agbomafo of Annor Adjaye Senior High School got the goal king award whilst Mr Emmanuel Asmah was adjudged the best coach of the tournament. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Nana Ayebi Amihere IV, Chief of Half Assini who spoke on behalf of Awulea Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema, admonished the participants to be serious with their academic work and remain focused in their daily lives. He also advised them to keep their surroundings clean since ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ as well as remember to learn from Dr Nkrumah’s humble and exemplary lifestyle. Nana Amihere IV commended the organisers for their good work and urged them to continue promote education and sports in the region, especially in the rural parts of the country.

Mr Daniel K. Eshun, the District Chief Executive for Ellemebele, on behalf of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele and Minister of Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah encouraged the participants to strive to emulate the selfless lifestyle of Dr Nkrumah to enable them to become useful citizens. He said his office would continue to partner with the organisers in their endeavours, aimed at projecting the area through education and sports. Mr David Cobbina Brigidi, Chairman of Nzema Events Management, promoters of the annual Osagyefo Cup, entreated all community and opinion leaders as well as the various stakeholders to rid their surroundings of filth and avoid littering indiscriminately.

It is only by actively getting this crusade going that we as a people could easily zero in on a potential disease outbreak and offer a first-hand protection before it does any harm, Mr Brigidi said. He noted that his organisation, with focus on promoting rural events, would continue to bring to bear events that would seek to identify talents and bring the people together for a common goal. Mr Brigidi expressed his appreciation to the sponsors of the competition, including Tullow Ghana Limited, Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Karela Group and MPs in the area for supporting the events.

Revered D. Y. Amaning, Chairman of Nzema Zone Schools and Colleges Sports Federation, commended the organisers and urged them to consider more schools in subsequent years. The theme for this year’s event was dubbed: “A Clean Ghana: Attitude makes a Difference,” and would seek to promote good sanitation among the students and the citizenry, especially along the coastal belt of the region.