The city of Tamale came alive on May 30, 2026, as the 3rd Damba Table Tennis Championship concluded in grand style, bringing together some of Ghana’s finest junior and senior table tennis talents in a highly competitive and entertaining display.
The event, supervised by Competition Manager William Asare-Berekorang and Referee David Senyo Ahiaba, featured intense battles across multiple categories as players from various regions showcased skill, resilience, and determination. The championship was also graced by the presence of Mawuko Afadzinu, President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association and Executive Vice President (Marketing) of ITTF Africa.
In the U-19 Girls’ category, Joanita Borteye of Greater Accra produced a dominant performance throughout the competition to emerge champion after overcoming Lovelyn Akua Agyemang Ofori of Ashanti. Naomi Yeboah (Bono) and Joy Esi Abaidoo (Ashanti) shared the joint third positions after strong runs in the tournament that highlighted the rising quality of young female talent in the country.
In the U-19 Boys’ division, Micheal Mensah Agyapong of Ashanti stamped his authority on the competition to claim the title after a series of commanding performances. Richard Ofori of Greater Accra finished as first runner-up, while Hamza Issah and Frederick Mensah settled for joint third place after reaching the semifinal stage.
In the senior categories, Joanita Borteye continued her impressive form by winning the Women’s Singles title, defeating Cynthia Kwabi, who finished as first runner-up. Judith Acheampong and Augustina Baidoo completed the podium as joint third-place finishers after a competitive run in the event that featured experienced and emerging female players.
In the Men’s Singles, James Marfo emerged champion after a strong campaign that saw him overcome tough opposition to secure the title. Ali Mohammed finished as first runner-up, while Emmanuel Commey and Micheal Yeboah shared joint third place after reaching the semifinals in a highly competitive men’s field.
The championship also recognized outstanding performers with special awards. These included Discovery Player which was awarded to J.J. Abaidoo, Promising Player which was awarded to Frederick Mensah, Most Exciting Player which was awarded to Ali Mohammed, Most Disciplined Player which was awarded to Joanita Borteye, and Fair Player Award which was awarded to Micheal Mensah Agyapong. These awards highlight the tournament’s commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging sportsmanship.
The successful staging of the championship also drew praise from table tennis stakeholders, many of whom commended the Chairman of Table Tennis Hawks-Tamale, Osmond Amuah, and his team for their remarkable commitment to delivering a competition of high standard. Stakeholders were particularly impressed by the level of organization, hospitality, playing conditions, and overall professionalism exhibited throughout the event, describing it as a significant investment in the growth and promotion of table tennis in Northern Ghana. Amuah, who also serves as Chairman of the Veterans Committee of ITTF Africa, was widely recognized for his leadership and dedication in helping to elevate the profile of the tournament.
The championship was organized by Table Tennis Hawks-Tamale and supported by a dedicated planning committee comprising Amos Tham-Mbiah, Osmond Amuah, Prof. Damien Tom-Dery, Reginald Addo Ankamah, Mark Brew, Philip Kojo Hinson, Ebenezer Nii Odotei Okpoti, and Joseph Kofi Yeboah. Their collective efforts played a vital role in ensuring the smooth and successful delivery of the tournament.
With players drawn from Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Bono, Volta, Northern, and other regions, the 3rd edition of the Damba Table Tennis Championship once again reinforced its status as one of Ghana’s key grassroots and developmental table tennis competitions.
The event not only crowned champions but also provided a platform for emerging talents to announce themselves on the national stage.
The Tamasco Assembly Hall was the centre of attraction as top table tennis players battled for supremacy and bragging rights in the Men’s, Women’s, U-19 Boys, and U-19 Girls categories, treating spectators to exciting rallies and high-level performances.
Ghana’s rising star, Joanita Borteye, emerged as the standout performer, winning double gold in the U-19 Girls and Women’s Singles. In the U-19 Girls category, Joanita cruised past Naomi Yeboah 3-0 before overpowering Lovelyn Ofori in the final with a commanding 3-0 victory (11-4, 11-9, 11-7).
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Joel Acheampong
