Agbana opens 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship in Prampram

The second MTN Elite U-19 Championship began at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with Hon. Eric Edem Agbana leading the ceremonial opening. The event marks the start of an 11-day inter-regional competition for Ghana’s emerging under-19 players.

Agbana, who chairs the tournament’s Planning Committee and represents Ketu North in Parliament, performed the ceremonial kick-off. He was joined by Ghana Football Association Executive Council member Samuel Aboabire and Joe Salam Abubakar, the chairman of the National Juvenile Committee.

Vice-chairman of the Organising Committee Enoch Agyare Addo also attended, along with committee members Samuel Owusu Amoah and Michael Fiaduse. Their presence accompanied the formal launch of a tournament intended to give young players a national platform while they compete for regional recognition.

The opening programme was followed by the first match, with Volta Region scheduled to meet Ashanti Region in Group A. The other Group A fixture pits defending champions Eastern Region against Upper West Region, while Group B begins with Central Region against Brong Ahafo Region and Upper East Region against Northern Region.

Eastern Region’s participation gives the group an early focus as the holders begin their attempt to retain the title. The tournament brings together players from eight regions, offering them competitive experience and an opportunity to draw attention from scouts and national-team selectors during the 11-day schedule.

The championship is sponsored by MTN Ghana and is part of the Ghana Football Association’s Power to the Youth initiative. The programme is designed to create a pathway from grassroots football towards the professional game and Ghana’s national teams, with the Elite U-19 competition serving as one stage in that development structure.