Football enthusiasts in the Bolgatanga Municipality can enjoy the ongoing World Cup matches free of charge, thanks to an initiative by the Friends of Prosper group, which has secured 16 viewing centres across the municipality to ensure wider access to the tournament.
The initiative aims to provide football lovers, particularly those who may not have access to television or paid sports channels, an opportunity to follow the matches in a communal setting.
Speaking exclusively to A1 Radio, a member of the group, Mr. Ayariga Isaac Atindaana, said the decision to provide free viewing centres was motivated by the desire to promote inclusiveness and strengthen unity among residents.
“It is true that Friends of Prosper has secured some football viewing centres in the municipality for football lovers as the World Cup games continue. We have provided these locations free of charge for the constituents of Bolgatanga Central and even travellers who may be passing through the municipality and neighbouring communities,” he said.
According to him, football remains a powerful tool for bringing people together regardless of their social or economic backgrounds.
“We believe football is not just a game; it unites people. It is something people leverage to network, find peace of mind, and create friendships. We are doing this to foster unity and create opportunities for people to come together, have fun, and even build business connections,” Mr. Atindaana explained.
The 16 designated viewing centres are located at Mobil Zongo Youth Base, Young Warriors, Hafisu Soccer Centre at Estates, Gideon Soccer Centre at Zaare, a barbershop adjacent to Ojam, Tanzui Youth Base, Rubber Stamp, Nyariga Junction Soccer Centre, London Pub at Tindonsobligo-Kalbeo Junction, Sumbrungu Akonfirm Spot, Agaarebia opposite Sherigu Social Centre, Amoah Drinking Spot near Sherigu Can-do Station, Tindonmolgo Youth Base, Links Pub at Yorogo, Fun City, and 24 Hours Pub at Akolbila.
Mr. Atindana noted that while some matches are broadcast on free-to-air television, others are available only on premium sports channels, making it difficult for some residents to follow all the games. To address this challenge, Friends of Prosper subscribed to DSTV packages for the selected centres to ensure fans have access to all tournament matches.
“Not everyone has a television at home, and some games are shown on different channels. We have subscribed to DSTV packages so that football lovers can enjoy every match without any financial burden,” he added.
Mr. Atindaana disclosed that although the initiative started at the beginning of the tournament, the group decided to publicly announce the centres to enable more residents to benefit from the arrangement.
As part of the initiative, a giant-screen viewing centre will be mounted opposite the BOGISS Junction, where football fans will gather to watch selected matches, including the Ghana versus Panama encounter.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen social cohesion within the municipality.
“We hope this brings the people of Bolgatanga together because football is not just a game but a medium to foster unity among ourselves,” he said.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
