US Ghana Alumni Association Hosts Soccer Tournament to Foster Peaceful Elections.

Tamale: 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.According to Ghana News Agency, the Association, comprising 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. Participating teams included Touch and Go, Look Sharp, Ayazz Family, and Metro Forest Stars. It was conducted across three zones in the country: the southern, northern, and middle zones.Madam Feruzah Wuniche Salisu, the President of the US Ghana Alumni Association, stated that they received funding supp ort from the US Embassy in Ghana to educate voters nationwide on their rights and responsibilities to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance, especially in the upcoming elections.She explained that heading towards Election 2024, the Association deemed it appropriate to initiate a project centered on peace, considering recent instances of agitation regarding the voters' register and the declining trust in the country's electoral processes. The Association chose soccer due to the love and passion young people have for the game, encouraging them to avoid actions that could destabilise the country's peace and stability.Mr Abukari Baba Sumaila, the Tamale Metropolitan Director of the National Youth Authority, who interacted with the participants, emphasized that elections are meant to select leaders who will champion sustainable development, not perpetuate violence. He urged all registered voters to participate in the elections to help maintain 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, highlighting that soccer promotes peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.At the conclusion of the competition, the Look Sharp team emerged as winners and were awarded a trophy, while the other participating teams received souvenirs, cash prizes, and other rewards.