The Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) has constituted a new leadership team for the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to strengthen the sport’s structures and promote its growth nationwide.

The newly appointed executives, who will serve a two-year mandate, are expected to lead the regional association in promoting Rugby League, nurturing young talent, and expanding participation across schools, communities, and workplaces. Their tenure will culminate in an elective congress at the end of the mandate.

At the helm of the new leadership is Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, Nyankyerenease Nkosuohene, who also serves on the RLFG Board. A respected entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Shamore Herbal, Nana Adu Gyamfi assumes the role of chairman and life patron. He brings to the position a wealth of experience in business development, community leadership, and strategic partnerships. His long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, education, and public health aligns closely with the RLFG’s vision of using Rugby League as a tool for transformation and national development.

The new leadership team includes Vice Chairperson, David Akomeah Asokwah, Regional Manager (Technical) Julius Amevor, Regional Manager (Organising) George Asamoah, Secretary Gloria Agbenyikey, Treasurer Mr. Ebenezer Boakye, Marketing and Sponsorship Officer Kingsford Osei Boateng, Branding and Communication Officer Kwabena Obeng Frimpong, NSA Liaison, Andrew Kobina Nyamoah, Deaf Rugby League, Mr. Benjamin Annor and GES Liaison Philip Asibey.

The executives were formally sworn in on Wednesday September 3, 2025 at Baba Yara Stadium, by the Ashanti Regional Regional Director Nana Gyaama Darkwa, Technical Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Simon Koku Gluikpor and Joshua Sekyere Korankye, the Regional Administrator of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Mr. Jafaru Awudu Mustapha, General Manager Rugby League Federation Ghana.

RLFG General Manager, Mr. Jafaru Awudu Mustapha, commended the new executives for accepting the call to serve and urged them to remain committed to the Federation’s broader vision: “This inauguration marks another important step in our mission to spread rugby league across Ghana. The Ashanti Region holds great potential, and with this new leadership in place, we are confident the game will reach more schools, communities, and workplaces. I urge the executives to lead with integrity, passion, and innovation as we continue to build structures that will prepare Ghana for future international success.”

Their collective mandate is to promote and develop Rugby League in the Ashanti Region, identify and nurture young athletes, organize regional competitions and events, collaborate with national and international Rugby League bodies to create opportunities for players, increase participation in schools, communities, and workplaces, and provide training and capacity building for coaches, officials, and athletes. They are also expected to support the formation of Rugby League clubs to boost grassroots development.

Already, plans are underway for the organization of an officiating course and an eight-week youth league for boys and girls, scheduled to take place from September 5 to October 24.

Ashanti Regional Director of Sports, Nana Gyaama Darkwa, praised RLFG’s sustained efforts:

“I am truly excited and overwhelmed by the tremendous work Rugby League has done in the regions over the years. This new leadership gives me confidence that the Ashanti Region will become a strong pillar in the sport’s national growth.

In his remarks after the appointment, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I expressed optimism about the future of Rugby League in the Ashanti Region. “We are excited to take on this challenge and contribute to the growth and development of Rugby League in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

Vice Chairperson David Akomeah Asokwah also called on stakeholders and the wider public to support the initiative. “We look forward to working with all partners to achieve our goals and make Rugby League a force to be reckoned with in the region,” he noted.

The appointment of the new executives has been welcomed with enthusiasm by members of the Rugby League community, who remain optimistic about the positive impact the leadership will bring. With their combined expertise and passion, the future of Rugby League in the Ashanti Region appears promising.

The Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) has officially launched the 2025 Ashanti Youth Rugby League 13s Championship, marking a significant step in the promotion and development of the sport in the region.

The championship would feature four pioneering schools: Aduman Senior High School, Pentecost Senior High School, Afigya Secondary & Technical School and St. Michael Senior High School. Each school will field both boys’ and girls’ teams, demonstrating Ashanti Regional Rugby League Association’s commitment to inclusivity and youth engagement.

The launch, held on September 3, 2025, was attended by physical education teachers and the captains of the boys’ and girls’ teams from the participating schools. Their presence emphasized the direct involvement of young athletes and educators in shaping the future of Rugby League in Ashanti.

Speaking at the event, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, Chairman and Life Patron of the Ashanti Rugby League Association, underscored the importance of the initiative. “This championship is not just about competition. It is about giving young people the opportunity to learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership while showcasing their talent on a bigger stage,” he said.

Mr. Simon Koku Gluikpor, Ashanti Regional Technical Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Head of the Technical Department, commended the Federation for investing in youth development. “The Ashanti Region has always been known for producing top athletes. By starting with the schools, Rugby League is building a solid foundation that will prepare our youth for national and international opportunities,” he remarked.

The championship will run alongside an eight-week youth league from September 5 to October 24, providing consistent competitive opportunities for the participating schools. The competition will also serve as the basis for selecting a regional team to represent the Ashanti Region, while the girls’ division will provide a pathway for players to join the female national team ahead of upcoming tournaments in Nigeria in October and Ghana in November.

The launch of the 2025 Ashanti Youth Rugby League 13s Championship has been welcomed with enthusiasm by students, teachers, and the wider sporting community, who view it as a turning point for Rugby League development in the Ashanti Region.