KGL Foundation brought basketball and mental health advocacy together on 7 November 2026 at Mawuli School in Ho for the maiden Volta Regional edition of Mental Slam. The tournament brought together students from five senior high schools, creating an opportunity to compete, connect and learn about mental wellbeing.

Developed under our Mental Health Initiative, Mental Slam uses basketball to make mental health information more accessible to young people. Through a sport they enjoy, we aim to encourage open conversations, challenge stigma and help students recognise the importance of seeking support when they need it.

Participating schools included Keta Senior High Technical School, Mawuli School, Bishop Herman College, OLA Girls Senior High School and Awudome Senior High School. KETASCO emerged champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, defeating hosts Mawuli School 22–21 in a closely contested boys’ final and securing a decisive 30–6 victory in the girls’ final. Awudome SHS placed third in the boys’ category, while OLA Girls SHS took third place in the girls’ competition. The champions received trophies and gold medals, with silver and bronze medals presented to the second- and third-placed teams.

Speaking at the event, our Head of Programmes, Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, congratulated the winning teams and encouraged all participants to remain committed, keep practising and believe in their abilities. He explained that Mental Slam forms part of our wider work to improve access to mental health information and support among young people.

He also highlighted plans to strengthen counselling services in selected schools through the provision of well-equipped counselling centres and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. This support is intended to extend the initiative’s impact beyond the tournament and into students’ everyday school lives. Participants were also encouraged to protect their health by avoiding doping and the use of substances as energy boosters.

For us, Mental Slam is an opportunity to connect sporting participation with care for the whole person. As we celebrate the achievements on the court, our purpose remains to help young people feel informed, supported and confident enough to seek help.