The Greater Accra Table Tennis Association, GATTA, is set to host the rest of the country in an electrifying championship dubbed “Ga Homowo Championship” with preparations far advanced.
The annual event is geared towards celebrating and rewarding deserving pingpong players from across the capital.
Scheduled for Saturday, 30th August, 2025 at the Hathramani hall, the championship would witness over 100 players in both male and female rallying for the ultimate prizes.
According to the organizers, all suitable measures including venue, playing equipments, and among others have been outlined to ensure successful hosting.
More Details below:
Origins and Inaugural Tournament (2006):
· The maiden edition, the DHL Ga Homowo Open Table Tennis Championship, was held in 2006 at Borstal Institute, Accra.
· Mohammed Ali (Ghana Police Service) won the men’s title by defeating Felix Lartey 2–0, while Celia Baah Danso (Central Region) claimed the women’s title against Akosua Ketu.
· Over 100 players participated, sponsored by DHL, with the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) overseeing the event.
Key Tournaments and Champions
2018 Championship:
· Nigerian player Sunday Ayodele dominated Ghana’s top seed Derek Abrefa 3–0 in the men’s final.
· Eva Adom Amankwah (Ghana Armed Forces) won the women’s title against Beatrice Gyasi 3–1.
· Ayodele received GH¢1,600, reflecting increased prize money compared to earlier editions.
2021 Championship:
· Emmanuel Commey (Ghana Immigration Service) defeated Derek Abrefa 3–2 in a five-set thriller.
· Eva Adom Amankwah secured another women’s title, beating Cynthia Kwabi 3–0.
· This edition featured 280 participants (including 48 women), with sponsors like Stanbic Bank and KFC. Commey and Amankwah each won GH¢2,400 .
2023 Championship:
Coached by S/Sgt. Moses Tagoe, Celia Baah Danso (Ghana Armed Forces) emerged as the women’s champion, defeating teammate Eva Adom Amankwah 3–1. The event was part of the Ga Homowo festivities at Accra Sports Stadium.
Evolution and Structure
· Timing: Held between July and September, aligning with the Homowo Festival’s harvest celebrations.
· Growth: Participant numbers surged from 100 (2006) to over 280 (2021), including youth talents like 13-year-old Emmanuella Yaa Kyere.
· Venues: Primarily hosted at D.G. Hathramani Sports Hall (Accra Sports Stadium) and Borstal Institute.
Sponsorship and Management:
· Early sponsors included DHL (2006) and later Stanbic Bank (2018, 2021). Corporate backing boosted prize pools and visibility.
· The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) consistently organized the event, with President Mawuko Afadzinu emphasizing talent development and international competitiveness.
Cultural Significance:
· The tournament honors the Homowo Festival, which involves rituals like sowing millet, noise bans (“Koninfemo”), and feasting on kpokpoi (fermented corn dish).
· It bridges sports and cultural preservation, highlighting Ga traditions such as libations for ancestors and the Twins Yam Festival.
Table: Men’s and Women’s Champions (2006–2023):
Year Men’s Champion Women’s Champion.
2006 Mohammed Ali Celia Baah Danso Maiden edition; DHL-sponsored
2018 Sunday Ayodele (Nigeria) Eva Adom Amankwah Ayodele won GH¢1,600
2021 Emmanuel Commey Eva Adom Amankwah 280 players; Stanbic Bank sponsorship
2023 Celia Baah Danso Coached by Moses Tagoe.
Impact on Ghanaian Table Tennis:
· Talent Development: Revealed stars like Derek Abrefa (multi-time finalist) and Celia Baah Danso (multi-title holder).
· International Representation: Top performers often compete in regional events, e.g., the West African Championship in Lagos.
· Military Dominance: Ghana Armed Forces players (e.g., Baah Danso, Amankwah) frequently dominate the women’s category, coached by Moses Tagoe.