The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga has commended Samuel Anim Addo, organizer of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup, for his commitment to youth development and peace promotion through sports.

He said Mr Anim Addo has been an astute balwark of sports development in the country and urge other stakeholders to emulate him.

Speaking at a meeting with the cup’s organizers, Ayariga also called on private businesses to emulate Addo’s efforts and invest in initiatives that foster societal harmony and empower young people.

Homowo Cup 

The 2025 Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup, scheduled for Sunday, August 17, at the Accra Sports Stadium, will feature a highly anticipated clash between Premier League sides Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions. 

The event, sanctioned by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), forms a key part of the Homowo Festival celebrations and aims to promote peace ahead of Ghana’s 2024 General Elections.

Gratitude 

Ayariga expressed gratitude to His Royal Majesty Nii (Dr.) Ayi-Bonte II, the Gbese Mantse, for his continued support of the initiative, noting that the ceremonial match aligns with the NYA’s mission to develop young talents and promote unity. “Sports is a powerful tool for youth empowerment and social cohesion,”the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup is a shining example of how communities can come together to celebrate culture and peace;we are grateful to Samuel Anim Addo and the Gbese Mantse for their leadership in this endeavor," he stated.

Commitment 

Highlighting the NYA’s commitment to youth development, Ayariga outlined the agency’s efforts through youth resource centers and talent development programs across the country. 

He emphasized that initiatives like the Homowo Peace Cup complement these efforts by providing platforms for young people to showcase their talents and engage meaningfully in society. “The NYA is ready to support this event in any way possible, whether through youth empowerment programs or other resources,” he added.

Peace

Samuel Anim Addo, a former Executive Committee member of the GFA and the driving force behind the Homowo Peace Cup, underscored the event’s role in fostering peace in the Odododiodoo constituency and beyond.

“The idea is to promote peace, and the Homowo Cup has ensured there is no bloodshed in Odododiodoo,” Addo stated. 

“This match brings people together, celebrates our culture, and sets a positive tone for the community, especially ahead of the elections.”

Ayariga also announced plans for a trophy tour and community engagement activities leading up to the August 17 match, aimed at mobilizing youth and stakeholders to support the event’s peace-building objectives. He called on private entities to follow Addo’s example, urging them to invest in initiatives that create a harmonious society. “Private businesses have a critical role to play in impacting society positively,” Ayariga said. “By supporting events like the Homowo Peace Cup, they can contribute to youth development and national unity.”The 2025 Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup promises to be a vibrant celebration of football, culture, and peace, with Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions vying for the coveted trophy. Kwame Opare Addo, Communications Director for Hearts, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, stating, “We will go out there on August 17 and do our best to bring the trophy back.” Meanwhile, Stephen Botchwey, administrator for Heart of Lions, described the match as “a golden opportunity to compete and promote peace across the country.”