Salaga-South MP unites youth through annual end-of-year football gala

The Member of Parliament for the Salaga-South Constituency, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has called on the youth of the constituency to unite and work collectively towards its development.

The call was delivered on her behalf by the Salaga-South Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Haruna Abdul Aziz, popularly known as Chairman Abotsi, on Monday, December 15, 2025, during the official opening ceremony of the 2025 End-of-Year Football Gala Matches.

The annual sporting event is organised and sponsored by the Member of Parliament as part of efforts to promote unity, peace and youth development through sports.

Addressing players, match officials and supporters, Abdul Aziz described the football gala as a strategic initiative designed to foster peaceful coexistence, strengthen unity among the youth and unearth football talent within the constituency.

He urged all participating teams to uphold discipline, fair play and sportsmanship throughout the competition, stressing that football should serve as a tool for cohesion rather than division.

“This competition is about fun, unity and development. All teams should see themselves as one family and play in the spirit of peace,” he emphasised.

Representing the Kpembewura and the traditional authority at the ceremony, the Kpembe Youth Chief, Braimah Mohammed Joe, popularly known as Chief Xcojay, commended the Member of Parliament for sustaining the annual football gala.

He noted that the tournament has become a major source of entertainment while also serving as a platform to unite the youth and channel their energies into positive and productive ventures for the development of the municipality.

Chief Xcojay further advised participating teams to exercise tolerance, patience, and mutual respect throughout the competition.

He also used the occasion to draw attention to the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth and appealed to them to desist from such practices and instead focus on sports and other meaningful activities that contribute to personal and community development.

The opening ceremony featured two matches. In the first encounter, Salaga Ree Boys defeated Dagbon Stars by a solitary goal.

The second match between Salaga Soccer Babies and Sisipe United ended goalless in regulation time, with Salaga Soccer Babies emerging victorious in a 2–1 penalty shootout.

In all, ten teams from across the constituency are competing for the ultimate trophy in this year’s competition.

The grand finale is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31 2025, at the Salaga Astro Turf.

The ceremony was attended by several personalities, including Chief Osman Mahama (Kanakamade), Chief Alhassan Yussif, the Salaga Youth Chief, Sumaila Ibn Hafiz (Constituency Zongo Caucus Coordinator), Mustapha Tawfic (Youth Employment Agency), Tanko Yakubu (Constituency Elections Director), and Tahiru Misbawu Jawula (Municipal NADMO Director).

The event attracted a large turnout of football enthusiasts and supporters from across the constituency, underscoring the growing role of football as a tool for unity, peace, and youth empowerment in the Salaga-South Constituency.