By Francis Ofori
Accra, June.30, GNA-The fourth edition of the McDan Ga-Adangbe Peace and Unity Cup football tournament has been launched in Accra with 24 communities ready to battle for top prizes on July 13,2024.
The tournament, spearheaded by Mr. Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, seeks to promote peace ahead of this year’s general elections.
Organizers have announced that the winner of the tournament will be awarded with a GH₵10,000 cash prize, a trophy and medals, whiles the first and second runner-ups would also receive GH₵5,000 and GH₵3,000 respectively with trophies and medals.
Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for the La Dade Kotopon constituency and Parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) speaking at the short ceremony commended Mr.McKorley for his role in helping to advocate for peace through sports.
She said peace was a stepping stone towards national development, hence the need to rally behind the project which would serve as an avenue to unearth talents for Ghana.
“We all know this is an election year and elections are for peace. It is not a period for war. This initiative is urging us that we all have to advocate for peace, and I want to remind us that we have only one Ghana so let’s come together and make this possible,” she said.
The Member of Parliament for the La Dade Kotopon constituency encouraged participants of the football tournament to be disciplined during the event.
She said she was confident that this year’s tournament would play a major role in a promoting togetherness ahead the election.
Mr. Bernard Korley, a representative of the McDan Group said Mr.McKorley had over the years shown his ability to bring people together to promote peace and also impact societies positively.
“We are in a political season and we need unity and togetherness. Things that will create division and chaos, we have to do well and avoid. Let’s use the golden sport, football to bring people together, promote the Ga-Adangbe agenda and also promote youth development,” he said.
He said aside the competition seeking to promote peace, it also served as a platform to harness talents which should not be taken for granted.
He announced that there were plans to give winners of this year’s tournament a taste of football on a higher level.
Mr. Jonathan Akrong, Chairman of the Organizing Committee revealed that participating teams will receive GH₵1,200 each as appearance fees for the tournament.
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He said the tournament would be played at three venues, McDan La Town Park , McDan Sege Sports Complex, and McDan Teshie Sports Complex.
He noted that the McDan Ga-Adangbe Peace and Unity Cup football tournament will run from July to November this year.
The draw for the tournament saw eight seeded teams, including defending champions Osu, Dansoman, Ada, Sege, Tema, Teshie, Nungua, and La who were excluded from the opening round.
It produced some exciting pairings as Chorkor would lock horns with Dome in the opening game at the La Town Park on July 13,2024.
The participating teams are La, Nkwantanang, Osu, Gamashi, Chorkor, Dansoman, B.Ngleshie, Weija Gbawe, Achimota, Dome Kwabenya, Dodowa, Adenta, Madina, East Legon, Teshie, Nungua and Tema.
The rest are Ashaiman, Kpone, Ningo Prampram, Sege, Ada, Nima/Mamobi and Alajo Newtown.
Full fixtures for first round
McDan La Town Park
Chorkor vs Dome
Weija vs Nima
Amanfro vs Achimota
Gamashie vs Alajo
McDan Sege Sports Complex
Prampram vs Ashaiman
Kpone vs Nkwantanang
McDan Teshie Sports Complex
Dodowa vs Madina
East Legon vs Adenta
GNA