The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Club Championship, tasking members to deliver a world-class event that will project Ghana as a leading sports destination in West Africa.
The championship, to be hosted by Kalibi Volleyball Club in collaboration with the Ghana Volleyball Federation (GVF), will take place from March 1 to 8, 2026, under the theme “Uniting West Africa Through Volleyball Excellence.” It will attract 48 top clubs from eight West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony today in Accra, Mr Adams described the tournament as “a celebration of unity, youth empowerment and African pride,” adding that it would raise the profile of volleyball, stimulate local economic activity, and promote gender equity in sports.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, let me extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of CAVB Zone 3 for granting us the opportunity to host this prestigious championship,” he said. “This honour reflects Ghana's growing stature as a hub for sporting excellence and regional cooperation.”
He emphasised that the Local Organising Committee had a “responsibility of national importance” and urged members to uphold professionalism, accountability and teamwork. “You are now the custodians of Ghana's image, the team entrusted to turn vision into reality,” he noted.
Mr Adams reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the committee through strategic direction, inter-agency coordination and policy guidance. He also called on the private sector to partner the initiative to ensure the success of the tournament.
The minister later administered the oath of office and formally declared the committee inaugurated.
LOC composition
The Central Planning Committee (CPC/LOC) is chaired by Dr Austin W. Luguterah, with Mr Emmanuel A. Quainoo as Secretary and Hon Bernard Mornah serving as Ex-Officio Member. Mr Bawa Iddrisu is the Technical Director, while the representative of the Ghana Volleyball Federation (GVF) is yet to be confirmed.
Miss Rebecca Araba Sherry represents the Ministry of Sports, and transportation will be overseen by Mr Haroun Apaw Wiredu, Deputy Managing Director of the Metro Mass Transit Company. Mr Mohammed Aputeog heads Protocol and Ceremonies, with Mr Bernard A. Lartey in charge of Budget and Finance.
Marketing, Public Engagement, Logistics and Operations fall under the supervision of Mr Yaw Sakyi, while Broadcasting is managed by Mr George Lomotey. Hospitality is jointly handled by Madam Farida Iddriss and Mr Lomotey.
COP Iddi Lansah Seidu is responsible for Security, with Capt George Nbuno Asabia serving as Medical and Safety Coordinator. Mr Henry Nii Sackey leads the Volunteers and Human Resource sub-committee.
LOC Chair’s remarks
Dr Luguterah described his appointment as “an honour and a solemn responsibility” and pledged to deliver a tournament that “reflects the excellence, discipline and unity that volleyball represents.”
He said the championship was not just a competition but “an opportunity to showcase Ghana's organisational capacity, strengthen regional sports diplomacy and promote youth development through teamwork, inclusion and gender equity.”
He promised close collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ghana Volleyball Federation, and corporate partners to mobilise resources and support for the event. “Beyond the competition, we aim to leave a legacy of renewed commitment to volleyball and strengthen capacity for future international events,” he added.
Dr Luguterah also commended Kalibi Volleyball Club, led by Hon Bernard Mornah, for its leadership and initiative in securing the hosting rights. “Your efforts have opened the door for Ghana to once again stand tall in regional volleyball,” he said.
Background
The Ghana Volleyball Federation President, George Tetteh, expressed optimism that Ghana would host and win the tournament. “It is an uphill task to organise this competition, but with the support of the Ministry, Ghana will host it successfully and win it,” he said.
The Kalibi Volleyball Club Chairman, Bernard Mornah, appealed for more investment in sports infrastructure, including the construction of indoor gyms. “If you give us even one-twentieth of the support that the Black Stars receive, volleyball will reach a level we can be proud of,” he said.
In response, Mr Adams disclosed that part of the Black Stars’ budget for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers had been reallocated to support other sports. “In every community, we should have a volleyball court because it does not require much space. Sports is a huge area we can invest in to generate billions and trillions,” he said.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including Greater Accra Volleyball Chairman Alfred Offei, Zone 3 President Ali Yaro, and representatives of the Ghana Police Service.
