The 14th edition of the Doh Gahnyam II Peace and Unity Cup has ended in Baligham, Santa Subdivision, with HRH Samkie Elvis Gahnyam II, Fon of Baligham and Mayor of Santa Council, using the tournament to reaffirm his community’s commitment to peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
The tournament, which ran from August 6 to 15, 2026, brought together youths from within and outside Baligham for football and handball competitions. The final was played on Saturday, August 15, at the GS Baligham Central Football Field.
HRH Samkie Elvis Gahnyam II, Fon of Baligham Village Addressing the Population.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fon Samkie Elvis Gahnyam II praised the participants for what he described as a strong display of fair play throughout the competition.
He thanked young people who put aside their businesses and other commitments to take part in the annual tournament, urging them to remain committed to peace, discipline, and respect for the law.
“I am extremely happy for the fair play,” the Fon said, adding that the spirit displayed during the tournament showed that the youths could compete while maintaining mutual respect.
He also warned against drug use and other forms of behaviour that could undermine the future of young people, stressing that Baligham’s reputation for peace and hospitality must be preserved.
According to the traditional ruler, the community’s relative calm is rooted in the decision of its people to embrace peace, particularly during the prolonged crisis in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions.
He said his continued presence among his people had also helped reinforce traditional authority and social order. “As long as I remain the head of Baligham and have remained on the spot, nobody has any alternative to carry out laws into their hands,” he said.
The tournament’s organizing committee chairman, Zanyin Eric Galabe, described this year’s edition as the “Tournament of Development," pointing to the wider community activities that accompanied the sporting event.
He noted that the competition attracted 12 football teams, three women’s handball teams, and four veterans’ teams. A fundraising event organized by the BACDU Women’s Wing shortly after the tournament’s launch also supported plans to construct a multipurpose hall at the palace.
Galabe praised the Fon for providing security that allowed residents and visitors to participate in the festivities with confidence. He also thanked internal and external elites, team officials, spectators, and members of the organizing committee for their contributions.
He urged more elites to support future editions financially and materially while encouraging young people to stay away from drugs, theft, and excessive drinking.
In the football final, White Cat Yaounde FC emerged champions, defeating Young Star Bamenda FC. White Cat received 155,000 FCFA, while Young Star Bamenda FC took 125,000 FCFA. New Stars FC finished third and received 45,000 FCFA.
White Cat players also dominated the individual awards. Tanyin Junior was named highest goal scorer, Eric Abankue won Best Player of the Tournament, and Njikue Patrick was named Best Goalkeeper. Each received 5,000 FCFA.
White Cat captain Chopsi MacDonald said the victory was the result of preparation, teamwork, and determination rather than luck. He revealed that it was his fourth final in Baligham and his third tournament victory, having won in 2023 and 2024, before losing the final in 2025 and returning to lift the trophy again in 2026.
In the women’s competition, Bamenda Young Star Ladies won the title after beating Virtuous Women Douala 26-11. The champions received 150,000 FCFA, while the runners-up took home 100,000 FCFA.
Dinga Cecile of Bamenda Young Star Ladies said the team was determined to retain the trophy, marking its third consecutive victory in the competition.
Beyond the trophies and prize money, the 14th edition was presented by organizers as a platform for strengthening relationships among Baligham youths and promoting peaceful coexistence at a time when communities across the North-West continue to face the effects of conflict.
For Fon Samkie Elvis Gahnyam II, the message from the tournament was clear. Baligham wants to remain a community where peace, unity, and living together are part of everyday life.
@Laarry Times
Comments
Post a Comment