Abedi Ayew Pele: ‘Football is the key to peace’ ahead of 2024 elections

Football legend Abedi Ayew Pele has emphasized the power of football to foster peace, particularly in the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 General Elections.

With rising tensions surrounding the December 7 elections, which will determine both the parliamentary and presidential outcomes, the former Black Stars captain believes football can play a vital role in promoting unity and calm.

As Ghana prepares for one of its most pivotal elections, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are the leading contenders for the presidency.

In a recent interview with Max TV, Pele recalled a moment in the 1990s when FIFA used football as a powerful tool for peace in Kosovo during the Yugoslavian war. The world football governing body organized an exhibition match between a World XI and Europe, which led to a temporary ceasefire in the region.

“Football can unite a nation. Football can bring people together. And football is the number one peacemaker to ensure that the elections go well, peacefully, without any incidents at all. The whole country should listen and be very patient.

“We always say that patience moves mountains. We should just be patient and allow our leaders to do what it takes to bring peace. Football is the key to the heart of the people.

“And you all know, in the 90s, during the Yugoslavian war, I know the president of FIFA at that time, President Blatter, organized the World XI against Europe in Kosovo.

“And when we got there, driving through the whole city, there were guns firing. But we were brave enough, and we were lucky that when they said we had all arrived in the city, the guns were silent. The stadium was full of military men, and everybody had their guns down. And it tells you what football can bring to the people.”

Abedi Pele is one of the most decorated Ghanaian footballers in history, winning the 1982 AFCON with the Black Stars and is also a Champions League winner in 1993 with Marseille.