Paga Youth Movement demands apology from Aduana FC manager over ‘goat farming’ comment

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has called on Mr. Tekyi Ahin, Manager of Aduana Football Club, to withdraw and publicly apologise for comments the group says were derogatory towards Paga and Northern Ghana.

The demand follows remarks attributed to Mr. Ahin during a radio discussion on Space FM in Sunyani, which were subsequently rebroadcast and circulated on other media platforms.

According to PAYOM, a news card published by 90Plus Sports quoted Mr. Ahin as saying: “Dede Ayew should invest his money in goat farming in Paga – football is about relationships!”

The youth group said the statement was offensive, particularly because it invoked Paga in the context of a discussion about Ghanaian football legend André “Dede” Ayew’s reported interest in the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

While acknowledging Mr. Ahin’s right to express his views on football administration and the GFA presidency, PAYOM said it objected to what it described as the disparaging manner in which Paga and Northern Ghana were referenced.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, PAYOM described Paga as a community with a rich history and said it is home to entrepreneurs, professionals, farmers, academics, public servants, business leaders and young people contributing to Ghana’s development.

The group argued that the reference to “goat farming in Paga” reinforces what it described as an unfortunate stereotype that Northern Ghana is primarily suited to agriculture and livestock, while positions of influence and national leadership belong elsewhere.

PAYOM rejected that characterization, highlighting the contributions of people from Northern Ghana to Ghana’s political, academic, business, sporting, cultural and public-service sectors.

The group cited former Vice President Aliu Mahama, President John Dramani Mahama and former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as examples of Northerners who have occupied some of the country’s highest political offices.

PAYOM, however, stressed that its objection was not directed at goat farming or agriculture.

“PAYOM wishes to make it clear that it has nothing against goat farming. Farming is dignified work, and livestock production is an important part of Ghana’s economy,” the statement said.

The group said its concern was the context in which goat farming in Paga was referenced.

PAYOM also highlighted Paga’s tourism, cultural and historical significance, including the Paga Crocodile Pond, Pikworo Slave Camp and the community’s role in cross-border commerce and Ghana’s relationship with Burkina Faso.

The group further expressed concern about the fact that the remarks were made in relation to Dede Ayew, whose family, it said, has contributed significantly to Ghanaian football.

It referenced the career of Dede Ayew’s father, Abedi “Pele” Ayew, describing him as one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers and said the Ayew family forms part of the country’s football heritage.

PAYOM maintained that any debate over Dede Ayew’s suitability to lead the GFA should focus on issues such as competence, vision, integrity, experience, relationships and stakeholder confidence rather than geography.

The group also urged football administrators to be mindful of public statements that could reinforce regional stereotypes or create divisions, stressing that football should serve as a unifying force for Ghanaians across the country.

Consequently, PAYOM is demanding that Mr. Ahin immediately withdraw the statement referring to Dede Ayew investing his money in goat farming in Paga, publicly apologise to the people of Paga and extend the apology to the people of Northern Ghana.

The group clarified that its demand was not an attack on Aduana FC, its supporters, the people of Dormaa or the Bono people.

Rather, PAYOM said its position was a call for respect and responsible public discourse, while reaffirming its commitment to peace, national unity and the development of Ghanaian football.