The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of remarks attributed to the Manager of Aduana Football Club, Tekyi Ahin which the group considers derogatory to Paga and Northern Ghana.
According to PAYOM, Ahin made the comments during a radio discussion on Space FM in Sunyani, with the remarks subsequently rebroadcast and circulated on other media platforms, including 90Plus Sports.
A news card published by 90Plus Sports quoted Ahin as saying, “Dede Ayew should invest his money in goat farming in Paga, football is about relationships!”
In a statement dated October 8, PAYOM described the comment as “deeply offensive, demeaning, and unacceptable,” arguing that although Ahin is entitled to express an opinion on Dede Ayew’s reported ambition to become President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Paga and Northern Ghana should not be used disparagingly in making such an argument.
The group said the remark feeds into what it described as an unfortunate stereotype that Northern Ghana is suitable only for agriculture and livestock, while positions of influence, leadership and national decision-making belong elsewhere.
PAYOM rejected that perception, stressing that the North has produced national leaders, professionals, academics, business people and other influential personalities who have contributed significantly to Ghana’s development.
The group cited former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, President John Dramani Mahama and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as examples of prominent Ghanaians from Northern Ghana who have occupied some of the highest offices in the country.
PAYOM clarified that its objection was not to goat farming, describing farming and livestock production as dignified and important to Ghana’s economy.
Rather, it said its concern was the context in which Paga was referenced, stressing that the community has a rich tourism, cultural and historical identity, including the Paga Crocodile Pond, Pikworo Slave Camp and its longstanding cross-border relationship with Burkina Faso.
The group also defended Dede Ayew’s contribution to Ghanaian football, noting that his father, Abedi Pele, remains one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers and that the Ayew family has played a significant role in the country’s football history.
PAYOM said disagreements over Dede Ayew’s suitability for the GFA presidency should be based on issues such as competence, vision, integrity, experience and stakeholder confidence, rather than geography.
It has therefore called on Tekyi Ahin to immediately withdraw the statement, publicly apologise to the people of Paga and extend the apology to the people of Northern Ghana.
The group stressed that its demand was not an attack on Aduana FC, its supporters, the people of Dormaa or the Bono people, but rather a call for respect.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity and the development of Ghanaian football.
The statement was signed by Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement.
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