Chairman of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, has expressed profound admiration for the Black Stars and praised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its renewed commitment to youth football development, as he officially addressed the launch of the maiden edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Accra.
In a speech that blended celebration and inspiration, Hon. Edem Agbana began by extending heartfelt congratulations to the Black Stars for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the achievement as a powerful testament to Ghana’s football resilience and excellence.
“Let me begin by extending heartfelt congratulations to our beloved Black Stars for securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup,” he said.
“This achievement is a testament to Ghana’s enduring football spirit, discipline, and determination. It also reinforces our belief that when systems work and talents are nurtured, Ghana can compete at the highest level of world football. Indeed, we are bringing back the love.”
The dynamic Member of Parliament for Ketu North also commended GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku for his visionary leadership and dedication to strengthening the foundations of Ghanaian football.
“We must also acknowledge the exceptional leadership and vision of Mr. Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association,” he added. “Under his watch, youth development has regained priority, and structured pathways like this championship are breathing new life into our football ecosystem.”
The MTN Elite U-19 Championship, he explained, is a cornerstone of that vision, a strategic platform designed to unearth, nurture and refine young talents across Ghana. The initiative, according to Hon. Agbana, goes beyond identifying potential footballers; it seeks to instill lifelong values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
“The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is designed as a springboard for unearthing and refining young talents across the country,” he emphasized. “It will create opportunities for gifted players, many from underserved communities, to showcase their abilities, gain exposure, and receive the technical guidance they need to excel.”
He also extended appreciation to MTN Ghana for its unwavering partnership and contribution to Ghanaian football development.
“On behalf of the organizing committee, I commend MTN Ghana for its unwavering commitment to sports development,” he said. “Your continued partnership demonstrates a corporate vision that goes beyond profit, to purpose and national impact.”
The young, promising legislator and football club owner ended his remarks with an inspiring message to the young players who will compete in the upcoming championship.
“To our young players: this is your stage. Train hard, stay humble, and remember that talent opens the door, but character keeps it open. Together, with collaboration between the GFA, our sponsors, coaches, and communities, we will build a sustainable talent pipeline that keeps Ghana’s football legacy alive and thriving.”
The maiden edition of the MTN Elite U-19 Championship will run from October 23 to November 2, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. The 11-day tournament will feature ten Regional Football Association (RFA) U-19 teams, showcasing some of the most promising young footballers from across the country in what promises to be a celebration of emerging talent, teamwork, and football excellence.
Proudly sponsored by MTN Ghana, the Elite U-19 Championship forms part of the GFA’s broader youth development framework, a critical component of the Association’s “Power to the Youth” agenda, which aims to create a structured pathway for young players to transition from grassroots football to the national stage.
With the backing of the GFA, MTN Ghana, and dedicated technical and administrative teams, the MTN Elite U-19 Championship is set to become a defining platform for the next generation of Ghanaian football stars.
GFA Communications