The Paramount Queen of the Ada Traditional Area, Naana Kabukour Dagojo Dumaaley I, has expressed her support for Ghana Beach Soccer by adopting girls from local high schools in Ada to establish the country’s first-ever female Beach Soccer team.
Named “DUMAALEY LADIES BSC of Ada,” the team will primarily consist of girls from Ada Senior High School, the Technical School, and other areas surrounding Ada, including the beach town of Otrokpey.
Accompanied by a royal delegation, the Queen joined Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and Beach Soccer Chairman Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to witness the culmination of the 2023 Ada ASAFOTUFIAMI FESTIVAL, which featured the Ghana Beach Soccer Premier League.
The festival’s historic curtain-raiser match, played under full FIFA Beach Soccer rules, saw Adasco Ladies secure a 3-0 victory over Otrokpey Ladies.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Naana Kabukour Dagojo Dumaaley I stated, “This is my first encounter with Beach Soccer and I love it. I now understand why the girls are so passionate about this sport, and I will do all I can to support them to succeed.”
GFA President Kurt Okraku pledged further support for the growth and development of Ghana Beach Soccer at all levels, noting that there is a strong desire for beach soccer among girls at grassroots levels. Plans for additional support have been proposed by relevant departments within the GFA to bodies like CAF and FIFA.
Former Youth & Sports Minister Hon Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, District Chief Executive of Ada East Hon Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, and Ambassador Nene Tetteh Ayiku Abordonu III were among the dignitaries who witnessed the beach soccer matches, marking a celebratory conclusion to the Asafotufiami Festival’s sports festivities.