By Solomon Gumah
Bunkpurugu (NE/R), Feb. 02, GNA – Wonsaakab Academy, a youth-led NGO, has held its maiden end-of-year football gala to promote youth development, peace and community cohesion in the Bunkpurugu District of the North East Region.
The two-day event brought together young people and local football teams from across the district using sports as a platform to foster unity, talent discovery and positive social engagement.
The gala also attracted a large turnout of community members, youth leaders and football enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere of excitement, fairness and mutual respect among participating teams and supporters.
The tournament was climaxed with Bimbagu All Stars emerging as champions.
The winning team was presented with a trophy, medals and cash prizes drawing loud cheers from supporters and marking a proud moment for the community.
Mr Daniel Jatuat, the Founder of Wonsaakab Academy, told the Ghana News Agency that the Academy collaborated closely with the District Police Command and the Ghana Ambulance Service, to ensure safety and the smooth running of the event.
He mentioned that the presence of security and emergency personnel throughout the two days underscored the Academy’s commitment towards ensuring responsible event organisation and the wellbeing of participants and spectators.
Mr Jatuat explained that although football was the main attraction, the gala represented a broader vision of youth empowerment and development in the district.
He said Wonsaakab Academy was established to bridge the digital divide and empower young people in the Bunkpurugu District and the wider North East Region through education, technology and life-changing opportunities.
He said “Starting with football was intentional. It allows us to meet young people where they are, build trust, and then guide them towards education, digital skills and long-term personal development.”
Mr Jatuat expressed gratitude to individuals, partners, volunteers and donors, who supported the event with cash, kind and time including Mr Edmond Kombat, Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, Mr Elijah Moon, the Founder of Bimoba Charity Foundation, Mr Tingoti Kombong, the Finance Officer at Bagabaga College of Education, Mr Abdul-Fatawu Dawuda, the North East Regional Births and Deaths Registrar and Yobat Bagbin, Bunkpurugu District Manager, the National Health Insurance Authority.
He indicated that as part of its next phase, Wonsaakab Academy planned to roll out digital literacy programmes, ICT training and other youth empowerment initiatives to equip young people with relevant skills for the modern digital economy.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/ Christabel Addo