Dr Abed Lamangin Bandim, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bunkpurugu constituency, together with the Ghana Police Service and Bunkpurugu Nakpanduri District Assembly, has organised a “Peace Match” towards a peaceful election.

Launching the football tournament, Dr. Abed Bandim said: “As the Member of Parliament, I am very delighted to be doing this. I should have been doing this with the District Chief Executive but unfortunately, other duties have taken him out of the district.”

The police commander for the Bunkpurugu Nakpanduri District also had other schedules so unfortunately he could not be present.

However, the police have since, in a letter dated July 23, 2024, expressed appreciation to the MP, saying “We sincerely appreciate your role in the success and hope that you keep your good work in this constituency.

“I am kicking this ball to launch the tournament between the FPU [Formed Police Unit] Bunkpurugu branch and Nakpanduri branch.”

Dr Abed Lamangin Bandim sported a sky blue jersey typical of Manchester City colours and blue jeans trousers with a yellow cap. “We shall expand it to involve other stakeholders.”

Before the opening match, Dr Bandim presented jerseys and footballs to the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Ghana Police Service are always wary of election flashpoints where conflicts could easily escalate hence the need for the Peace Match ahead of the December elections.

Nakpanduri FPU scored one nil against Bunkpurugu FPU during the second half.

The venue, being the Bunkpurugu Secondary School, naturally drew crowds of both male and female students and other town folk.

Baabont Yennu, the National Democratic Congress communication officer for the Bunkpurugu constituency, spoke to about 10 students who stated that “it was a good start” and that it would “bring peace” to the community.

According to the United Nations, “Formed Police Units (FPUs) are pledged by Member States and subsequently deployed as a trained and equipped, cohesive and fully self-sustained unit.”