As football fans across Ghana rally behind the Black Stars at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Setor Dumelo, has launched a community-based viewing initiative aimed at ensuring residents enjoy the tournament while creating economic opportunities for local businesses and workers.
The initiative includes the installation of giant screens at strategic locations across the constituency, allowing residents to watch Ghana’s matches and other World Cup games free of charge.
The designated viewing centres include Abelemkpe Astro Turf Park, Okponglo, Mempasem, Airport Residential Area, West Legon, and Dzorwulu, while television viewing centres across the constituency have also received support through the payment of their DStv subscriptions.
To enhance the match-day experience, Dumelo who is also Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, has partnered with 13 kenkey vendors across the constituency to provide free meals of kenkey and fish to fans attending Ghana’s matches.
Beyond offering entertainment, the initiative has generated significant economic activity within and beyond Ayawaso West Wuogon.
According to details provided by the MP, 10 young people have been employed to install and manage the giant screens, while 30 others have been engaged to distribute refreshments at the various viewing centres.
The engagement of 13 kenkey businesses has also created opportunities for additional workers, as many of the vendors have reportedly recruited extra hands to help meet expected demand during the tournament.
The initiative’s impact extends to several sectors of the economy. Maize used in preparing the kenkey is being sourced from farmers in the Upper East and Volta Regions, providing a market for producers who have struggled to sell their harvest due to oversupply. Fish supplies are being procured from the Volta and Central Regions, while tomatoes and onions used for the pepper sauce are being purchased from farmers in the Ashanti Region.
Local service providers are also benefiting. Chair rental companies within the constituency have been contracted to supply seating and tables for the viewing centres, while taxi drivers have been engaged to support transportation and logistics throughout the tournament period.
By the MP’s estimates, the intervention is creating more than 110 direct and indirect jobs, with many of the beneficiaries being women and young people.
The initiative highlights how major sporting events can serve as catalysts for local economic activity, creating opportunities for employment, supporting small businesses, and strengthening community engagement.
As Ghana pursues success on the world stage, residents of Ayawaso West Wuogon will not only be cheering on the Black Stars together but will also be experiencing firsthand the economic benefits that sports can generate when leveraged for community development.
“Go Ghana Go,” remains the rallying call as fans gather across the constituency to support the national team throughout the tournament.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
