By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Sumbrungu (U/E), Dec. 28, GNA – The youth of Sumbrungu, a suburb of the Bolgatanga Municipality has strengthened community unity and social cohesion through a two-day football gala involving four electoral areas.
The competition, which featured teams from Kulgo-Agusi, Kulbia, Amogrebisi and Azorebisi Electoral Areas, formed part of activities marking the homecoming of the youth and people of Sumbrungu.
Organised by the Sumbrungu Youth and Development Association, the event brought together chiefs and elders, opinion leaders, residents and the youth, and showcased football talent while fostering cooperation among the various electoral areas as a foundation for sustainable development.
The gala was attended by Mr Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bolgatanga Central Constituency, and Ms Fawzia Abagnabah Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, among other dignitaries.
Sumbrungu Youth and Development Association, a non-partisan, development-oriented youth group, focuses on advocacy, lobbying for development and strengthening unity and social cohesion within the community.
Mr Albert Adongo, President of Sumbrungu Youth and Development Association, expressed appreciation to members of the Association for their dedication and support, which ensured the success of the homecoming activities.
He said the main objective of the event was to deepen unity, love and collaboration among the various communities to collectively advance development in the area.
“This football gala is not just a competition among communities, but a reminder that our youth need attention and empowerment. We must work together to create opportunities for them and secure a better future,” he stated.
Mr Adongo indicated that the Association intended to institutionalise the gala as an annual event and expand its scope to attract greater participation, including from residents living outside the region and in the diaspora.
He added that Sumbrungu Youth and Development Association would continue to pursue key development priorities for the area, including the completion of the police post and the expansion of the Sumbrungu Health Centre to improve healthcare delivery.
Mr Adongo acknowledged the support of individuals and organisations, particularly the MP, who donated GH¢20,000.00, along with sets of jerseys and footballs for each of the four participating teams.
He also commended the Upper East Regional Coordinator for the Ghana School Feeding Programme Regional for a similar donation of GH¢5,000.00, jerseys and footballs for each of the four participating teams.
On his part, Mr Isaac Adongo stressed the importance of supporting initiatives that promote youth development and empowerment and urged the Association to sustain the programme and continuously engage the youth positively.
Ms Yakubu advised the youth to channel their energies into productive ventures and avoid activities such as drug and alcohol abuse, which could jeopardise their future.
At the end of the competition, Kulbia Electoral Area emerged winners with seven points, followed by Amogrebisi with five points, Azorebisi and Kulgo-Agusi recorded three points each.
The winners received a trophy and GH¢3,500.00, while the first runner-up received GH¢2,200.00, the second runner-up GH¢2,000.00 and the third runner-up GH¢1,800.00, in addition to jerseys and footballs received from the MP and the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana;s School Feeding Program.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade