The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has gifted Asante Kotoko a cash prize of GH¢10,000 following their win over Accra Hearts of Oak in the just ended 2025 President’s Cup.

The annual match played every year in honour of the sitting president saw Kotoko clinch the trophy with a 2–1 over long standing rivals at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, July 6.

Asante Kotoko dethroned ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire, who were the 2024 President’s Cup champions.

To commemorate their win, Minister Adams went to the Kotoko squad's hotel to personally present a personal cash reward and commend their performance.

While addressing the squad he said,

“I have also given you, for your drive back, I’m giving you GH¢10,000,” he said. “When you get there, you can buy some water. Congratulations, our target is the continental level—we will be there to support.”

He assured the team of both personal and government's support to ensure their porogress and growth.

“We will do everything; we will mobilise—personally and at the national level—to do whatever it takes so that you can win”, he added.

Hearts of Oak had taken an early lead through Hamza Issah, but second-half goals from Peter Amidu Acquah and Kwame Opoku turned the game in Kotoko’s favour, securing the prestigious trophy.

Meanwhile other dignitaries also pledged gifts for the winners.

Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) CEO Richard Ofori Agyemang promised a $200 per goal as well as $1,000 per goal pledged by Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo for Hearts of Oak.

The game saw performamces from artiste like Ghanaina dancehall artist,Shatta Wale.

Over the years, Asante Kotoko have been the reigning champions over the last years, with eight titles, despite falling short in the 2024 edition against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.

Hearts of Oak, on the other hand won six President’s Cup wins and are expected to head into the encounter with confidence, having defeated their arch-rivals in their last two meetings in the competition.

As a gesture to boost local support and fan participation, entry to the match will be free for all spectators.

The President’s Cup in Ghana began in 1969. Initially, it was played to honor the sitting president, with each edition named after the leader at the time. For example, the 1969 edition was called the Busia Cup, while the 1973 edition was the Acheampong Cup.

After a long hiatus from 1985 to 2002, the competition was rebranded in 2003 as the President’s Cup, officially organized by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) and the National Sports Authority.

The first rebranded edition featured Hearts of Oak vs. Great Olympics, with Hearts winning 2–0.

Since then, the tournament has become an annual fixture, typically played in July to mark Ghana’s Republic Day celebrations.

The competition has seen dominant performances from Asante Kotoko, who hold the record with eight titles, while Hearts of Oak follow closely with six titles.