Ghana to host “PeaceGoals” ahead of 2024 election, Ronaldinho, Barcelona, Black Star legends to feature

As part of efforts to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections on 7 December 2024, Ghana is scheduled to host the “PeaceGoals2024” event organised by the Organisation for African Development (OAD).

This event will feature the Barcelona FC Legends including Brazilian football star Ronaldinho Gaúcho and former Black Stars Legends such as Abedi Pele, Asamoah Gyan, Tony Yeboah, and others. Other African football stars such as Adebayo have also pledged their participation, in staunch support of Ghana’s Peace.

The ”PeaceGoals2024” event will occur in Accra on Saturday, 9 November 2024. Mr Bonaventure Aguissi, the Founder of the Organisation for African Development (OAD) and lead organiser of the “PeaceGoals 2024,” disclosed this to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, 16 October 2024 when he led a delegation to inform the President about the event and formally invite him to participate. In attendance were the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Yussif, and the NCCE Chairperson, Ms Kathleen Addy.

In his statement, Mr Bonaventure Aguissi while extending an invitation to the President, noted that elections on the African continent have been characterized by tensions and sometimes unnecessary violence that has undermined the peace and stability of some African countries.

He pointed out that these happenings elsewhere have essentially motivated him to use his connections in the footballing world to host a game that will serve as a spring board to help promote peace before, during and after the elections.

“In Africa, each time we have elections, there is tension and what do we do to make sure that we can minimize the tension? I have great links in football across the world so I spoke to my partners in Barcelona FC and they agreed to support us in bringing the Barcelona legends, including Ronaldinho to Ghana, to play a peace match and feature all presidential candidates,” Bonaventure Aguissi said.

Participation
President Akufo-Addo welcomed the “PeaceGoals2024” initiative noting that the concept of using football to achieve peace ahead of elections is one that his administration is ready to fully embrace.

He also stressed the importance of securing the participation of all 13 presidential candidates at the “PeaceGoals2024” event.

He noted that a look at his calendar suggests to him that he will be attend the event and offer his support to the initiative. Akufo-Addo added that even though he is a strong Real Madrid supporter, he will be delighted to meet the former Barcelona super star, Ronaldinho Gaúcho in person at the upcoming “PeaceGoals2024” event.

The PeaceGoals event
The OAD “PeaceGoals 2024” is an initiative to promote peaceful elections, as well as unity and cooperation among Ghana’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary candidates, and all Ghanaians.

Leveraging football’s universal appeal, the event features former Barcelona stars led by Brazilian football legend, Ronaldinho, Ghanaian football legends, and Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary candidates.

The event will also be graced by VIP guests including religious and traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and the international community, executives of the Barcelona Football Club, thought leaders and other global business icons.

Event highlights
The highlight of OAD “PeaceGoals 2024” is a Peace Convocation followed by the Legends Football Match scheduled for Saturday, 9 November 2024 at 1pm, ancillary events include an Akwaaba Cocktail and Press Briefing, a Gala Dinner, and a Night with the Stars.

“PeaceGoals 2024” is powered by the Organisation for African Development (OAD), in partnership with World GI Events LLC, and in collaboration with FC Barcelona, the National Peace Council, the National Commission on Civic Education, the office of the Speaker of Parliament, the office of the UN Resident Coordinator, and Ghana’s retired football stars. Event partners include Carbon AV, Stratcore, and the BAC Group.

The initiative is chaired by the esteemed Sir Sam Jonah and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to charitable endeavours. The primary objective of OAD “PeaceGoals2024” is to foster peace and camaraderie among presidential candidates and to set a positive example for the voting public

Through this initiative OAD aims to demonstrate the possibility and value of peaceful co-existence among individuals with diverse political views, encourage a peaceful electoral process by setting a tone of unity and collaboration and to use football, culture, and music as tools to promote peace and social cohesion.

Source: asaaseradio