The Convener of the Young Progressive Network (YPN), Patrick Asford Boadu, has led a delegation of organisers of the Oblogo Homowo Football Gala Fiesta 2026 on a courtesy call to former Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije, to officially invite him to serve as the Special Guest of Honour for the much-anticipated community sporting event.
The delegation included Nathaniel Narteh Attoh, popularly known as “Bongo”, Shardrak Amatei Armah, popularly known as “Iddi”, and Belinda Yaa Etti, a member of the Young Progressive Network.
The courtesy visit formed part of activities leading to the Oblogo Homowo Football Gala Fiesta, an initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, youth empowerment, and community development through sports during the annual Homowo festivities.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Vanderpuije lauded the Young Progressive Network for spearheading an initiative that seeks to unite the youth through football.
“Football remains one of the greatest tools for bringing people together. Beyond the game itself, it teaches discipline, teamwork, tolerance and mutual respect. Initiatives such as this should be encouraged because they promote peace, unity and tranquillity, which are indispensable to community development,” Hon. Vanderpuije stated.
The former Member of Parliament for the Odododiodoo Constituency noted that sports continue to play a critical role in national development by providing opportunities for young people to develop their talents while fostering social cohesion.
“When our young people come together on the football field, they build friendships instead of divisions. That is the kind of spirit every community needs to drive sustainable development,” he added.
Hon. Vanderpuije further encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative and expand it into one of the flagship sporting events within the Ga State, describing community-based sports competitions as an effective platform for nurturing future football talents.
Speaking after the meeting, Patrick Asford Boadu expressed gratitude to the former Sports Minister for the warm reception and encouragement.
“We are deeply honoured by the positive reception given to us by Hon. Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuije. His encouragement reinforces our commitment to using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence and community development.
The Oblogo Homowo Football Gala is more than a football competition; it is a platform to unite our people and inspire the next generation,” Mr. Boadu said.
He noted that the Young Progressive Network remains committed to implementing impactful community initiatives that empower young people through sports, leadership, sanitation, and skills development.
The Oblogo Homowo Football Gala Fiesta 2026 is expected to attract football lovers, traditional authorities, youth groups, opinion leaders and residents from Oblogo and neighbouring communities.
Organisers say the tournament will celebrate the spirit of Homowo while promoting friendship, healthy competition and lasting community unity.
The football gala forms part of the Young Progressive Network’s broader vision of harnessing sports as a catalyst for social transformation, youth inclusion and sustainable community development.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
