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Kofi Adams vows to invest in volleyball at CAVB Zone III Club Championship launch

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:29 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Kofi Adams Vows to Invest in Volleyball at CAVB Zone III Club Championship Launch

Accra, Ghana – On a bright afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s new Volleyball Federation chief, Kofi Adams, used the launch of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) Zone III Club Championship as a platform to announce a sweeping investment plan for the sport across the country. The event, attended by club representatives from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, marked the first time the championship would be staged in Accra since its inception in 2015.

A New Era for Ghanaian Volleyball

Kofi Adams, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in late 2023, stepped up to a field that has been struggling for both visibility and funding. “Volleyball in Ghana has long been underutilised despite having a large talent pool,” Adams said during his opening speech. “This championship is a signal that we are ready to change that narrative.”

Adams’ pledge is part of a broader strategy that the GVF is implementing to raise the profile of the sport both domestically and regionally. He emphasized that the federation’s investment will go beyond merely sponsoring clubs; it will include infrastructure upgrades, coaching education, and grassroots development programs aimed at increasing participation among youths and women.

The CAVB Zone III Club Championship

The CAVB Zone III Club Championship, which brings together clubs from West Africa, was launched at the Accra Sports Stadium on 25 July 2024. Ghana’s own club, Accra United Volleyball Club, was the first to be announced as a participant after a successful bid. The championship will run over ten days, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The event is expected to attract an estimated 3,000 spectators, according to the GVF’s event coordinator.

In his remarks, Adams referenced the championship’s role in fostering competition and providing a platform for local talent to be scouted by national selectors. “The championship will be a showcase for Ghanaian clubs and an opportunity for our players to compete at a high level,” he said. “It also provides an avenue for us to engage sponsors and partners that are willing to invest in the sport’s future.”

Funding Commitments and Partnerships

While the Ghana government has historically prioritized sports such as football and athletics, Adams underscored that the Federation is now forging new partnerships with corporate sponsors, both local and international. He announced a preliminary sponsorship agreement with the telecom giant MTN, which will provide technical support and equipment, including volleyball sets and training kits.

In addition, the GVF is working with the Ghana Sports Authority (GSA) to secure a multi‑year funding package of GHS 15 million ($2.2 million) to be allocated for the construction of new indoor volleyball courts across the country. “We are planning to build at least 12 new indoor courts in key regions such as Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale,” Adams explained. “These facilities will be equipped with proper lighting and seating, making them suitable for both training and competitive play.”

He also cited an upcoming collaboration with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) that will provide coaching certification courses and access to international best‑practice resources. “The partnership with FIVB will allow our coaches to become FIVB‑certified, ensuring that our athletes receive the best possible training,” Adams said.

Grassroots and Women’s Development

Adams highlighted a long‑term vision that extends to the grassroots level. The federation’s plans include a national “School Volleyball Programme” that will involve 30 schools nationwide in a year‑long training curriculum. By introducing the sport to primary and secondary students, the GVF hopes to broaden the talent pipeline and encourage early specialization.

Of particular note is the federation’s commitment to boosting women’s participation. The GVF has identified a pressing need for more women’s teams and coaching staff. Adams announced the formation of a Women’s Development Committee, which will oversee the recruitment of female coaches and the establishment of women’s leagues at both the club and national levels.

“We want to see more girls and women taking the court, not only as players but also as leaders,” Adams said. “Investment in women’s volleyball will help close the gender gap and enrich the sport’s culture in Ghana.”

Reactions from the Volleyball Community

The launch drew a strong response from the local volleyball community. Mr. Kwame Mensah, President of the Accra United Volleyball Club, welcomed the federation’s initiatives. “We are thrilled to see the national body taking concrete steps to invest in our sport. The new facilities and coaching will make a real difference to our players’ development,” he told reporters.

CAVB’s Secretary‑General, Ms. Fatoumata Diarra, also expressed support for the initiative. “We are delighted that Ghana is stepping up its commitment to volleyball. The launch of the Zone III Club Championship here is a testament to the region’s growing interest in the sport,” she said.

Looking Forward

Kofi Adams’ speech concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—clubs, schools, sponsors, and government bodies—to rally behind the new investment plan. “We are at a pivotal moment. With your support, we can elevate Ghana’s volleyball to new heights and inspire the next generation of athletes,” he urged.

The CAVB Zone III Club Championship itself promises to be an exciting contest, with Ghana’s Accra United defending their title against formidable rivals from Nigeria’s Plateau Volleyball Club and Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan Sharks. The results will be closely watched, as they could signal a shift in the competitive balance within West African volleyball.

As the federation sets its sights on the future, the promise of improved infrastructure, enhanced coaching, and broader participation marks a hopeful chapter for volleyball in Ghana. Whether the ambitious investment plan will translate into tangible success on the court remains to be seen, but the commitment has already sparked a renewed enthusiasm among players, fans, and supporters alike.