By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, GNA
Paga (U/E), May 18, GNA – The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has intensified its peace and community development campaign through the 5th Edition of its Inter-Community Unity games.
The annual event aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, unity, discipline and youth empowerment among communities in the Kassena-Nankana West District.
The games, which have become a unifying platform for the youth and residents of the area, brought together 13 competing teams from various communities to foster friendship and strengthen social cohesion through football and other recreational activities.
The opening match between Zenga Community and Bisawo Community ended in a convincing 4-0 victory in favour of Zanga, setting the tone for what organizers described as a peaceful and exciting tournament.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Wenawome Aborah, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, said the competition was not only about football and entertainment but also about using sports as a tool to deepen peace, tolerance and communal unity among the people.
“Today is not only about football and entertainment, but also about strengthening peace, unity, friendship and development among our communities,” he said.
Mr Aborah noted that PAYOM remained committed to bringing young people together and promoting communal growth through collective action and peaceful coexistence.
He called on the youth to actively contribute towards maintaining peace, protecting public property, keeping the environment clean and fighting drug abuse in the community.
“Development can only thrive where there is peace and cooperation. We must all play active roles in ensuring that,” he stressed.
The Chairman also used the occasion to commend individuals, businesses, institutions and government agencies contributing to the development of Paga.
He particularly recognised Dr Ama Antwiwaa Adu-Appiah, a Medical Doctor at the Paga Hospital for her dedication and sacrifice in serving the people of Paga as the only doctor who accepted a posting to the hospital.
He further assured visitors, investors and workers in the area that Paga remained a peaceful and welcoming community that valued diversity, coexistence and mutual respect.
Mr Aborah also praised the active involvement of women in this year’s games, especially during the social activities including penalty shootouts, sack race and tug of peace, describing their participation as a source of excitement and unity.
Mr Thomas Awiah, an Elder of PAYOM, in his remarks, commended the leadership of the PAYOM for sustaining the initiative over the years and using sports to project Paga positively across the Upper East Region and beyond.
He appealed to spectators, coaches and players to exercise restraint and uphold discipline throughout the tournament to sustain the peaceful atmosphere that had characterised the games over the years.
Mr Tawiah urged teams to compete not only for trophies but also for the “Best Behaved Team” award, which he described as the most prestigious recognition in the tournament.
“Any team that wins that trophy has won the tournament,” he stated.
The PAYOM Inter-Community Unity Games has over the years served as a platform for strengthening social ties, resolving tensions among communities and promoting youth participation in development activities through sports and peaceful engagement.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Gilbert Azeem Tiroog