Organisers of Abatey Feast Day soccer gala call for youth empowerment through football
Speaking in an interview with Mike FM during the 2026 edition of the Abatey Feast Day soccer gala held on Saturday, March 7 at the Mission Park in Navrongo, Abatey noted that football has become a lucrative career for many young people across the world.
Organisers of the Abatey Feast Day soccer gala have called for greater investment in youth development through football, saying the sport offers young people in Navrongo a viable path to personal success and community development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Georga Football Club, Godson Abatey, lead organiser of the annual tournament, said football has the potential to transform the lives of young people if properly nurtured.
Speaking in an interview with Mike FM during the 2026 edition of the Abatey Feast Day soccer gala held on Saturday, March 7 at the Mission Park in Navrongo, Abatey noted that football has become a lucrative career for many young people across the world.
Abatey, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Macgeorges Incorporated, said the increasing global value of football makes it an important avenue for youth empowerment.
“We all know that some of the highest earners in the world today are footballers. Some players earn as much as £2,000 a week. I foresee a Navrongo where each household has a successful footballer, and imagine what that would mean for the development of the town. When these players succeed, they will come back to invest in their homes and communities,” he said.
He further expressed hope that Navrongo would one day produce a football club capable of competing in the Ghana Premier League.
Abatey also appealed to government to complete the stalled Navrongo Youth Resource Centre, noting that the facility could serve as a major boost for youth development through sports.
He urged the private sector to also support initiatives that promote football and youth empowerment in the area.
The Chief of Nayagenia, Pe Daniel Pwamang, who served as the guest of honour at the event, commended the organisers for the initiative and encouraged the young participants to take both their education and sporting talents seriously.
According to him, Navrongo has the potential to produce world-class footballers.
“From what I have seen, we can produce great players like Abedi Pele from these schools, and even more. If you take your studies and training seriously, you can make it,” he advised.
Pe Pwamang also cautioned the young footballers against substance abuse, warning that it could damage their health, destroy their dreams and negatively affect their future.
The soccer gala, organised in honour of the legacy of Monsignor Abatey, brought together invited guests, family members, pupils and teachers from participating schools, football enthusiasts and members of the general public.
At the end of the competition, Abatey Junior High School defeated St. John Bosco Junior High School 2–0 to retain the trophy.
Other participating teams included Adabayeri Junior High School, Queen of Peace Junior High School and Kogwania Junior High School.
All participating teams received various rewards including footballs, jerseys and medals, while the winning team took home the tournament trophy.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
