To mobilize support, galvanize their youth base and tackle youth challenges, the Okere constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched an exciting football festival. Among the targets, the communities league is aimed at uniting towns and villages, educating the youth on HIV/AIDS – Drug abuse, and mobilising support to recapture the parliamentary seat in the 2028 elections.
The Okere Unity Community Football League was officially launched on Saturday 24th July at Twum-Guaso in the Eastern Region, drawing party executives, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, and residents from across the constituency. The league will run from July to October 2026.
Sports Initiative Receives High-Level Endorsement
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who graced the occasion, commended the initiative, describing it as a model that ought to be replicated across the country.
Mr Ampofo – Ankrah stated that such sports initiatives deserve commendation and support because they bring communities together, create a platform for the dissemination of information, and provide a solid channel for social intervention, policy education, and awareness to communicate key strategic messages to communities.
“The President is totally committed to the transformation of sports infrastructure in Ghana, and initiatives like this at the community level complement that vision,” the NSA boss noted.
Tournament with a Purpose
The football league is designed not only as a sporting event but as a vehicle for social change. Organisers said the initiative would be used to educate the youth on HIV/AIDS prevention and the dangers of drug abuse, which remain pressing concerns in many communities.
The league is also expected to strengthen party structures in the constituency ahead of the 2028 general elections, as the NDC seeks to win back the Okere parliamentary seat it has not held for the past two decades.
Historical Context
The Okere seat was last won by the NDC in the 1996 general elections, when the late Fuzzy Dapaah Torbay secured re-election. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) wrestled the seat from the NDC in 2000 with a narrow margin of nine votes and has held it since. Currently Hon Kenneth Addo is the Npp occupant of the Okere seat.
The Okere constituency has 21 electoral areas, and the NDC has been working to rebuild its base in the district.
Broad Community Participation
The launch ceremony at Twum-Guaso witnessed a colourful display of support, with NDC party executives from the constituency and regional levels in attendance. Traditional rulers and religious leaders lent their blessings to the initiative, while youth groups and residents from various communities across Okere turned out in large numbers to witness the event.
Looking Ahead
Organisers expressed optimism that the league would not only unearth football talents in the district but also serve as a catalyst for community development and political mobilisation. The tournament, they said, would provide a platform for engaging the youth on critical national issues while fostering unity and social cohesion.
As the league kicks off, all eyes will be on Okere to see whether this community-driven initiative can deliver on its promise of transforming lives and reshaping the political landscape of the constituency ahead of 2028.
