In a bid to promote peace ahead of Ghana's December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Organisation for African Development (OAD) has launched the "PeaceGoals 2024" event.

Scheduled for November 9, 2024, at 1pm the event will feature a star-studded football match at the Accra Sports Stadium, including legends from Barcelona FC, led by Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Ghanaian football heroes such as Abedi Pele, Asamoah Gyan, and Tony Yeboah. The initiative aims to foster unity and encourage peaceful elections across the country.

The Founder of OAD and the lead organiser, Mr. Bonaventure Aguissi, revealed details of the event to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a meeting at the Jubilee House on Wednesday. 

Accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif, and the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ms. Kathleen Addy, Mr. Aguissi explained that the event is inspired by the need to address the tension that often characterises elections across the African continent.

"Each time we have elections in Africa, tensions rise, and sometimes, they lead to violence. This motivated me to use my football connections to organise this peace match and bring football stars, including Ronaldinho, to Ghana. We believe football can promote peace before, during, and after the elections," Mr. Aguissi said.

President Akufo-Addo warmly welcomed the initiative, noting the vital role football can play in ensuring peaceful elections. 

He expressed optimism that all 13 presidential candidates would participate in the "PeaceGoals 2024" event, adding that despite being a lifelong Real Madrid supporter, he looked forward to meeting Ronaldinho and supporting the cause.

Event details and highlights  

The "PeaceGoals 2024" event, organised by OAD in collaboration with FC Barcelona, the National Peace Council, and Ghana’s football legends, will feature a Peace Convocation and a Legends Football Match.

The match will be a key highlight, drawing attention from across the world. The event will also include several VIP guests, including religious and traditional leaders, diplomatic representatives, and international business icons.

The game will be preceded by a curtain-raiser involving Women In Media versus some Parliamentary candidates, presidential candidates as well as women leaders in government. Presidential candidates will also be able to join the Barca Legends in a warm-up as well as the inspection of the line-ups.

In addition to the match, other activities include an Akwaaba Cocktail and Press Briefing, a Gala Dinner, and a Night with the Stars, aimed at raising funds for charitable causes. The initiative is chaired by prominent Ghanaian business magnate, Sir Sam Jonah.

"PeaceGoals 2024" seeks to use football’s universal appeal to promote peace and unity, setting an example of peaceful co-existence for the voting public. Organisers hope to demonstrate that despite political differences, Ghanaians can engage in the electoral process with respect, harmony, and solidarity.