By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Sakasaka (N/R), Nov. 20, GNA – As part of efforts to rally young people towards peaceful elections in December, the United States Ghana Alumni Association, has organised a soccer competition for the youth in Tamale to encourage them to prioritise peace.
The Association, made up of over 3,000 voluntary Alumni who benefited from a US-related programme usually sponsored by the US Embassy, organised the event as part of its mandate to give back to communities by identifying and providing interventions that would improve and create sustainable impact.
The event was held in partnership with the Northern Regional Youth Parliament, Activista Ghana, Northern Regional Keep Fit Club among other youth groups and participating teams included Touch and Go, Look Sharp, Ayazz Family and Metro Forest Stars.
It was held in three zones across the country, the southern, northern and the middle zones.
Madam Feruzah Wuniche Salisu, the President of the US Ghana Alumni Association, said it received funding support from the US Embassy in Ghana to go around the country to educate voters on their rights and responsibilities to promote peace, harmony and tolerance, especially in the upcoming elections in the country.
She said, heading towards the Election 2024, the Association thought it appropriate to have a project around peace, considering the few instances of agitations on the voters’ register and the dwindling trust in the country’s electoral processes.
She said the Association chose soccer because of the love and passion young people attached to the game and encouraged them to eschew any action that had the tendency to destabilise the peace and stability of the country.
Mr Abukari Baba Sumaila, the Tamale Metropolitan Director of the National Youth Authority, who interacted with the participants, said elections were not meant to perpetuate violence but to choose leaders, who would champion sustainable development of the country.
He urged all registered voters to come out to vote for their preferred candidates to help sustain the country’s democratic credentials.
Alhaji Mohammed Zakari, the Northern Regional Chairman of Keep Fit Club commended the US Ghana Alumni Association for the initiative, saying soccer promoted peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.
At the end of the competition, the Look Sharp team was declared winners, and they received a trophy whilst the other participating teams received souvenirs and cash prizes, among others.
GNA