Marcel Desailly, Tony Baffoe and other distinguished personalities at the press briefing

By Ameenu Shardow

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) have launched an initiative to promote peace in Ghana ahead of the general elections.

The campaign which is in conjunction with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) will see a series of football matches and other events taking in a three-month period.

The campaign kicks off on July 2 in Tamale where both foreign and locally based players as well as retired stars will play a one off match to open the series of events to follow.

This game will have renowned Ghanaian players including Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Andre and Jordan Ayew with former France captain Marcel Desailly in support amongst others featuring.

A peace walk will precede this game in Tamale and its environs to raise awareness of the upcoming game and also to drum home the message of peace ahead of the December 7 polls.

The series of events will also include a match between Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko all in support of this initiative.

General Secretary of the PFAG during the press briefing on Wednesday revealed the motive behind commencing the program in the Northern Regionional capital.

“This Initiative with the National Commission for Civic Education is to promote peace in Ghana and amongst footballers,” he said at the press briefing.

“It also provides a unique opportunity for the people in the north to see these stars who are predominantly based in Accra.

“It is not only about football but we will be doing a peace walk to spread the news of peace also and therefore we solicit your support for the success of this campaign.”

The campaign falls in line with efforts being made by individuals and societal groups to promote peace and the need for it ahead of Ghana’s general elections on December 7.