The 2025 WTT Contender Bronze medalist in men’s doubles, James Marfo etched his name in Ghanaian table tennis history by winning the 2025 Homowo Table Tennis Championship at the Accra Sports Stadium on August 30th.
The KidsForKids Foundation Koforidua poster boy Marfo, who finished third in the 2022 edition, battled through a tough field before finally lifting the Homowo Trophy. He edged teammate Francis Antwi in a tense 3-2 semi-final clash before producing a commanding performance in the final against Prince Aklie—a bronze medalist at the African Hopes Championship. Marfo swept Aklie aside with straight sets 11-7, 11-8, 11-5, thrilling his loyal supporters who had travelled from Koforidua.
James Marfo, in post-match interview, reflected on the journey; “I feel so great. I feel so excited because the last time we played, in 2022, I placed third. This time around, I trained very hard to win this competition. The Homowo Championship is one of the biggest competitions in Ghana, so I feel very happy and excited to lift this trophy.
"The semi-final was tough, but certainly, the final was an easy win for me. My semi-final opponent, Francis Antwi, is my teammate, so we know each other’s style of play. I had to use my experience to win that game.
Would I say the final was cheap?
"No. I wouldn’t say it was cheap, but I would say I used my experience. I play more international competitions now, and I’m gaining more exposure, so that gave me the edge.
This win is a very big and important one for me because I’ve won my national championship three times, but this is the first time I’ve won a major competition of this magnitude.
"My ultimate dream is to represent Ghana at the highest level – the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games. That’s my focus.
"I want to say a very big thanks to my manager, Michael Danquah, for always supporting me—sending me abroad for training and competitions, providing me with my racket, rubbers, and everything I need. Also, a big shoutout to my coach, Coach Bright, for believing in me. Finally, I thank my fans who travelled all the way from Koforidua to support me. This victory is for them, too.”
The celebration did not end in Accra. On August 31st, 2025, James Marfo received a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Koforidua, where he met the New Juaben Traditional Council, led by Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, alongside executives of his former club, the New Juaben Table Tennis Club, veterans, and young upcoming talents.
By; Victoria Kwofie
