The second edition of the Rugby League Rising Stars tournament illuminated Otumfuo Park on April 15, 2025, as young athletes from six Ghanaian communities displayed their talent and passion for rugby league.
This cornerstone of grassroots development saw intense competition in the Primary Boys’, Junior High Boys’, and Junior High Girls’ divisions.
Four schools competed in the primary Boys Division: Akrofrom D/A Primary, Akrowa D/A Primary, Mowire D/A Primary, and Aduamoa D/A Primary.
Akrofrom edged Akrowa 1-0, and Mowire defeated Aduamoa 1-0 to reach the final.
After a 0-0 draw, Akrofrom clinched the title with a 1-0 penalty shootout victory.
JHS Girls Division
Six teams split into two groups: Group A (Mowire D/A JHS: 5pts, Kyerekrom D/A JHS: 4pts, Aduamoa D/A JHS: 0pts) and Group B (Akrowa D/A JHS: 4pts, Aduman D/A JHS: 2pts, Akrofrom D/A JHS: 1pt).
Mowire and Akrowa advanced to the final, which ended goalless.
Mowire won 1-0 in a penalty shootout to claim the title.
JHS Boys Division
Group A included Akrofrom D/A JHS (4pts), Akrowa D/A JHS (2pts), and Aduman D/A JHS (1pt), while Group B featured Kyerekrom D/A JHS (4pts), Mowire D/A JHS (2pts), and Aduamoa D/A JHS (1pt).
Akrofrom and Kyerekrom met in the final, drawing 1-1. Akrofrom secured their second trophy with a 4-3 penalty shootout win.
Jafaru Awudu Mustapha, General Manager of the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG), highlighted the importance of early engagement:
“Engaging youth early helps them master rugby league fundamentals, nurturing their growth and building the sport’s future in Ghana.”
He noted the tournament’s role in sparking passion among young players.
Mr. David Akomeah Asokwah, Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for Afigya Kwabre South District, praised the RLFG’s efforts:
“The Federation has brought rugby league to our communities. We’ve embraced it, as it offers our youth a chance to learn, grow, and enhance their personal portfolios.”
He urged players to stay committed: “Don’t give up. Persistence will bring rewards.”
The event was attended by Mr. David Akomeah Asokwah (GES Director General, Afigya Kwabre South), Afigya Kwabre South GES staff, Jafaru Awudu Mustapha (RLFG General Manager), Marshall Nortey (RLFG Technical Director), Riddick Alibah (RLFG Greater Accra Regional Head), and Hilaria Wuaku (RLFG Communications Officer).
Junior High Schools: Akrofrom D/A JHS, Akrowa D/A JHS, Aduman D/A JHS, Aduamoa D/A JHS, Kyerekrom D/A JHS, Mowire D/A JHS.
Primary Schools: Akrofrom D/A Primary, Akrowa D/A Primary, Mowire D/A Primary, Aduamoa D/A Primary.
