The much-anticipated Youth Peaceful Elections Unity Soccer Gala kicked off in grand style at the Kawukudi Astroturf Park, and award-winning Dancehall artist, Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, made headlines with a generous gesture. Stonebwoy, known for his influence both on and off the stage, doubled the prize money for the event by donating GH₵10,000 to support the organizers and participanting teams.
The three-day soccer gala, which runs from Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 23, 2024, aims to promote peaceful elections through the sport, bringing together sixteen teams from communities such as Madina, Nima, and Kwabenya. The event, organized under the slogan “One Goal, One Vote, One Ghana,” uses football as a unifying force to convey the message of peace ahead of Ghana’s upcoming elections.
Stonebwoy made his pledge while attending the event at Kawukudi, offering his unwavering support to the initiative. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of peace, especially during the election period, and urged the youth to be ambassadors of unity. “Football has always been a unifying sport, and I encourage everyone here to use this event to promote peace before, during, and after the elections,” Stonebwoy said.
The presence of such a high-profile figure added to the excitement surrounding the gala, and his generous contribution was warmly received by the organizers. Stonebwoy further commended them for creating such a platform, noting that initiatives like this are critical in fostering peace and unity within communities. His gesture not only doubled the grand prize, now at GH₵10,000, but also underscored his commitment to supporting youth and community development.
The Unity Soccer Gala has attracted a number of notable figures and organizations, including Serki Hakeem Musah, the Madina Nkosouhene, and Asa Awel Abdel Aziz Fadama, the Kajanga Youth Chief. Their involvement highlights the importance of community leadership in promoting peace during politically charged periods. Additionally, European scouts are attending the matches, offering young players a potential career opportunity beyond local football.
The competition has been fierce, with well-known teams like TuffGong 11, WISE FC, Gaza 11, and Sabon Zango vying for the championship title. Beyond the excitement of the matches, the event has become a rallying point for the communities involved, with fans showing up to cheer for their teams and promote the overall message of peace.
Stonebwoy’s donation, along with the efforts of the organizers, has elevated the event’s profile, turning it into a symbol of hope and unity for the youth and their communities. As the gala continues, the focus remains on football for peace, with every match serving as a reminder that unity can be achieved both on the field and off, as the country heads toward the election season.
With local pride, community support, and peace at the forefront, the Youth Peaceful Elections Unity Soccer Gala is set to leave a lasting impact on all who attend. Stonebwoy’s support has ensured that the event will not only be remembered for the thrilling competition but also for the powerful message of peace it carries.
