NDC, NPP hold peace football match in Canada

Malton Park, located at 3430 Derry Road E., Malton, hosted members of Ontario, Canada's two leading political parties in a peaceful football match on July 1, 2024.

The event, themed "Building the Ghana We Want in Peace and Harmony - It is Possible!" was a symbolic match between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both representing their Ontario branches in Canada.

Organized by the branch organizers of the two leading political parties, the match was part of the efforts to ensure peaceful elections in December 2024 when Ghana heads to the polls.

In an interview, Ramsey Apau Bediako, the NDC Organizer for Ontario, emphasized the importance of fostering understanding, empathy, and respect for different viewpoints during an election year. He stated, "In an election year, it's crucial to foster understanding, empathy, and respect for different viewpoints. Let's strive for peaceful dialogue and work towards building the Ghana we want."

The organizers urged politicians and peace-loving Ghanaians, especially the media, to continue nurturing, growing, and developing peace and unity to build a strong nation for future generations. They stressed that failing to leave a happier and more united Ghana to the next generations would be shameful and irresponsible.

The organizers also cautioned politicians and the media, both in and outside Ghana, to avoid fueling tensions and creating unnecessary rivalry, which could disturb the current peace and unity in Ghana. The primary objective of the match was to alleviate any growing tension stemming from political activities.

With less than six months until the election, any existing tension could potentially escalate to a point where it would be difficult to manage. Therefore, the organizers emphasized the need for everyone to take an active interest in protecting and consolidating peace in the country.

They also advised politicians to avoid hate speech, insults, and statements that could incite ethnocentrism. Instead, they called for tolerance and constructive discourse that would contribute to the nation's development. The organizers expressed satisfaction with the impressive support witnessed at the venue and thanked individuals who contributed to the success of the match. They emphasized the need to diversify and shift attention away from the NPP, NDC, and constant political discussions to foster harmony among Ghanaians.

The organizing committee included Ramsey Apau Bediako (NDC), David Zu (NDC), Frank Opoku (NDC), Daniel Frempong (NPP), and Emmanuel Briggs (NPP).