The Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South in the Oti Region , Joseph Awal Antwi, has raised alarm over the steady decline of sporting activities in the municipality, attributing the worrying trend to the protracted conflict that continues to disrupt daily life in the area.
Speaking during a second-round Division Three league encounter at the Joe Tetteh Coffie Sports Stadium, the MCE expressed deep concern that football,once a unifying force and a source of pride for the people,has been significantly undermined by insecurity and instability.
According to Mr. Antwi, the persistent disturbances have not only interrupted league matches and training sessions but have also forced many promising young athletes to abandon their dreams or relocate to safer communities.
He warned that the absence of consistent coaching, discipline, and competitive exposure could derail the development of talented players who might otherwise have risen through the ranks of Ghanaian football.
“The longer this situation persists, the more we risk losing a generation of gifted footballers,” he cautioned, underscoring the urgent need for peace to safeguard the future of sports in the municipality.
The MCE, himself a former sports journalist, made these remarks on the sidelines of a tightly contested fixture between Nkwanta All Stars and Monaco FC.
The match, played under subdued circumstances, ended in a goalless draw, leaving qualification hopes open for other clubs vying for promotion to the Division Two league.
In a show of commitment to grassroots sports development, Mr. Antwi presented both teams with two sets of footballs and jerseys to support their participation in the league.
His gesture follows an earlier intervention by the Municipal Assembly, which allocated GH¢5,000 each to participating clubs ahead of the season to assist with preparations and logistical needs.
Despite these efforts, the broader impact of the conflict continues to cast a long shadow over sporting activities.
Coaches and players who spoke after the match described the situation as a major setback, noting that the lack of regular competition and training opportunities has stunted player development and weakened team cohesion.
Beyond the immediate challenges, Mr. Antwi emphasized the broader role of sports as a vehicle for unity, reconciliation, and youth empowerment. He appealed to residents of the municipality to embrace peace and view football not merely as recreation, but as a critical tool for rebuilding fractured relationships and restoring community harmony.
“Sports has always brought our people together,” he noted. “If we can secure peace, we can revive that spirit and once again make Nkwanta South a hub of football excellence.”
There is, however, a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The MCE disclosed that, through the intervention of the area’s Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Kini, the municipality is expected to benefit from the construction of modern astroturf pitches.
The initiative is anticipated to provide improved facilities for training and competition, thereby enhancing the development of football and other sporting disciplines.
Historically, Nkwanta South has been regarded as a fertile ground for football talent, producing notable players such as Vincent Atinga, Emmanuel Keyekeh, and Joseph Mireku.
The MCE expressed optimism that with sustained peace and renewed investment, the municipality can reclaim its status as a powerhouse of grassroots football in Ghana.
Local stakeholders echoed this sentiment, commending the MCE for his continued support while urging all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize peace for the sake of the youth.
They stressed that the future of sports—and indeed the broader development of the municipality depends on stability, cooperation, and a shared commitment to progress.
As the final whistle blew on the goalless encounter, it served as a poignant reminder of both the resilience of Nkwanta South’s sporting spirit and the urgent need to restore the conditions necessary for it to thrive once again.
