Peduase, Ghana – February 13, 2024
In a ceremony infused with symbolism and sporting fervor, former President John Agyekum Kufuor presided over the ceremonial inauguration and unveiling of the trophy for the J.A. Kufuor Cup last Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Peduase.
The event marked a significant moment as the footballing community gathered to pay homage to the legacy of the esteemed former President on the occasion of his 85th birthday celebrations.
Scheduled to take place at the revered Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, February 18, 2024, this year’s edition of the J.A. Kufuor Cup will feature a captivating clash between premier league giants Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC. Organized under the auspices of the John A. Kufuor (JAK) Foundation, the match promises to be a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship, paying tribute to the enduring impact of President Kufuor’s leadership.
The trophy unveiling ceremony saw the presence of illustrious figures from the footballing fraternity, including former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, renowned coach Kwesi Appiah, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku. Among the dignitaries in attendance, Eric Alagidede, General Manager of Nsoatreman, expressed his club’s unwavering determination to secure victory over Kotoko and lift the prestigious trophy.
In a spirited response, Coach Kwesi Appiah reiterated Kotoko’s commitment to honoring President Kufuor’s legacy, highlighting the former president’s significant role as the club’s former board chair. Meanwhile, Stephen Appiah, serving as an ambassador of the J.A. Kufuor Cup, pledged to purchase 1000 tickets for the eagerly anticipated encounter, demonstrating his fervent support for the event. Not to be outdone, GFA President Kurt Okraku pledged to acquire 5,000 tickets for fans, urging Ghanaians to turn out in large numbers to witness the spectacle firsthand.
In a touching gesture, former President Kufuor extended his heartfelt best wishes to both competing clubs, assuring them of his unwavering support as they prepare to battle it out on the field. As anticipation mounts for the forthcoming showdown, the J.A. Kufuor Cup stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a statesman whose impact transcends politics and resonates deeply within the realm of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
