Ghana to Host OAD PEACEGOALS 2024 Football Event for Unity Ahead of Elections

Ghana is preparing to host a prominent football event aimed at fostering peace and unity in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

The initiative, named OAD PEACEGOALS 2024, will feature a match between Barcelona Legends, led by Brazilian football superstar Ronaldinho, and Ghana’s own Black Stars Legends.

Scheduled for November 9, 2024, the event is organized by the Organisation for African Development (OAD) in partnership with World GI Events LLC and in collaboration with FC Barcelona. It has received support from key national bodies, including the National Peace Council and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.

During a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, OAD founder Bonaventure Aguissi shared details about the event’s objectives. “In Africa, there is often tension during election periods. We aim to minimize that tension,” he explained, highlighting the initiative’s purpose.

The day’s main activities will begin with a peace convocation at 1 p.m., followed by the football match at 3 p.m. Aguissi elaborated, “The convocation will feature calls for peace from religious and traditional leaders, providing a platform for presidential candidates to express their commitment as well.”

To promote inclusivity, the event will also host a mini-match between women in media and women presidential and parliamentary candidates. Additionally, presidential candidates will be invited to join a warm-up session with the Barcelona and Black Stars legends.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of key political figures’ attendance. “The presence of the candidates is crucial; without them, it’s a non-event,” he asserted, highlighting the need for commitments from the main presidential contenders given their hectic campaign schedules.

He acknowledged that with just a month before the elections, securing participation from the candidates would be challenging but essential.

Organizers are optimistic about the event’s potential impact, hoping to leverage Barcelona FC’s global fanbase of approximately 500 million to amplify their peace message. “We will use a hashtag with Barcelona FC, which has a massive following worldwide,” Aguissi noted.

The initiative aims to showcase the possibility of peaceful coexistence among individuals with differing political views, setting a positive example for voters. This event comes at a crucial moment as Ghana prepares for its ninth election under the Fourth Republic.

Reflecting on Ghana’s electoral history, President Akufo-Addo remarked, “Generally, our elections have been well-organized, peaceful, and transparent, which is why Ghana continues to enjoy its peace and stability.”

The OAD PEACEGOALS 2024 event is expected to draw significant attention both locally and internationally. It represents a unique approach to peace-building, combining sports, politics, and cultural elements to promote national unity during this critical period in Ghana’s democratic journey.