He warned that continued insecurity is disrupting football and other sporting activities, undermining the growth of young talent and threatening the municipality’s long-standing reputation as a breeding ground for football excellence.

According to the MCE, many promising players have already relocated due to persistent disturbances, while those who remain are being deprived of the regular coaching, discipline, and competitive exposure needed for their development.

Mr. Antwi made these remarks during the second-round Division Three League fixture between Nkwanta All Stars and Monaco FC at the late Joe Tetteh Coffie Sports Stadium in Nkwanta.

To promote grassroots football development, the MCE donated two sets of footballs and jerseys to the competing clubs. He also disclosed that the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly had earlier released GH¢5,000 each to participating clubs ahead of the league season to support preparations and sustain football development in the municipality.

The match ended in a goalless draw, leaving promotion prospects open for clubs seeking elevation to the Division Two League.

Addressing players, officials, and supporters, Mr. Antwi urged residents to view sports as a unifying force capable of fostering reconciliation and social cohesion. He stressed that lasting peace remains essential to restoring sporting excellence and youth development in the municipality.

Mr. Antwi further announced that, through the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Geoffrey Kini, the municipality is expected to benefit from astroturf pitches to improve football infrastructure and expand opportunities for sports development.

He recalled that Nkwanta South has produced notable footballers, including Vincent Atinga, Emmanuel Keyeke, and Joseph Mireku, and expressed confidence that the municipality can regain its status as a football powerhouse if peace is restored.

Players and coaches who spoke after the match commended the MCE for his continued support for grassroots sports but described the conflict as a major impediment to football development.

They appealed to residents to embrace peace and unity, stressing that the future of sports and youth empowerment in Nkwanta South depends on lasting stability.