From Pitch to Peace: NYA Rallies Behind Gbese Mantse’s Homowo Cup

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., has pledged the Authority’s full support for the 2025 edition of the Homowo Peace Cup, a community sports initiative championed by the Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Club under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Nii Ayi-Bonte II.

The meeting, held in Accra, saw the organizers of the Cup call on the NYA to partner in the event’s execution — a call warmly welcomed by the Authority.

In his remarks, the NYA CEO expressed gratitude for the invitation and emphasized the value of using sport as a unifying tool. “It is truly inspiring to see how sport is being used as a powerful vehicle to promote peace, unity, and youth development. These values align deeply with the mission of the National Youth Authority,” Mr. Ayariga said.

He highlighted the Authority’s willingness to provide both logistical and strategic support, adding that, “On August 17th, we will show up in full force — the Green Army of Ghana will be at the Accra Sports Stadium to lend our voice and presence to this powerful peace initiative.”

Mr. Ayariga also used the occasion to announce that August has been designated as Ghana Youth Festival Month and assured the organizers that the Homowo Peace Cup would be included in the calendar of national youth activities.

On behalf of His Royal Majesty Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Anim Addo, the organizer of the an event, shared the deep cultural and political significance of the event. He emphasized that the Homowo festival is more than a celebration of harvest — it is a time-honored tradition that carries the weight of peace and renewal for the Ga State.

He cited the 2024 edition of the Peace Cup, which contributed to a violence-free election season in traditionally tense areas like Odododiodoo. “For the first time, there was not a single incident of bloodshed, and that was partly due to the influence of this Peace Cup. Both parliamentary candidates pledged peace at the Gbese Palace, and it made a real difference,” Anim Addo said.

He added that the Gbese Mantse, as the custodian of tradition and peace within the capital, sees the Homowo Peace Cup as a strategic intervention, using football to engage the youth in peace-building, social cohesion, and development.

“We are not just playing a game. We are shaping narratives, guiding young minds, and promoting a culture of peace. We are grateful to the NYA for the assurance of partnership. From this day forward, the National Youth Authority is officially a partner of the Homowo Peace Cup,” he declared.

The 2025 Homowo Peace Cup will feature a match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions, alongside a symbolic trophy tour through communities, aimed at spreading messages of peace and unity across the Ga State.