MTN Ghana has launched the Savannah Fest 2026 as part of activities marking its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of connecting communities, driving innovation and supporting national development. The festival, which runs until the first week of October, features a number of activities across the Northern Region.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Area Sales Manager for the Northern Region, Richard Asamane, said the activities include an Inter-Community Football Gala from September 18 to October 3 at NOBISCO Park, an MTN Music Concert on September 19 at Modern City Hotel, a clean-up exercise on September 25 at the Taxi Rank and the Tamale Teaching Hospital, and a health walk and free health screening on September 26 at Jubilee Park.
Mr. Asamane said communities and customers remain central to MTN’s operations, adding that Savannah Fest is designed to strengthen the company’s relationship with communities through football and other forms of community engagement.
He said the Inter-Community Football Gala has been expanded from four teams last year to 16 teams this year as part of activities marking MTN’s 30th anniversary.
The competition will run for three weeks, longer than last year’s edition, with enhanced prizes and team packages for participating communities.
Mr. Asamane said the initiative seeks to use football to promote unity, strengthen community bonds, develop sporting talent and celebrate local culture.
He urged participating communities to demonstrate unity, discipline, peaceful conduct and good sportsmanship throughout the competition and avoid acts that could lead to conflict or disorder.
Teams will receive cash participation and appearance fees, while additional prizes include jerseys, footballs and other items intended to support community and football development.
As part of MTN’s 30th anniversary promotion, customers also have opportunities to win brand-new Toyota Prados. Three additional Prados are being presented for the Northern Sector in Kumasi.
Mr. Asamane said MTN would continue to implement community development projects across the Northern Region as part of its long-term partnership with local communities.
The Regional Sports Director for the Northern Region, Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan Jihad, thanked MTN Ghana for launching the programme in Tamale and bringing football and other activities to the five northern regions.
He said the initiative goes beyond football, as it also seeks to promote sporting talent, community engagement, economic development and entertainment.
Mr. Jihad encouraged participating teams to use the competition as an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents.
He urged players to remain disciplined, control their emotions during matches and accept mistakes and officiating decisions in the spirit of fair play.
He also reminded the teams that they represent their respective communities and not just themselves.
Mr. Jihad further appealed to match officials to treat the competition as a community-based programme, urging them to apply the rules fairly while allowing participants to enjoy the games, rather than treating the matches strictly as professional FIFA competitions.
The 16 participating teams have been grouped into four groups as follows:
GROUP A
Kakpagyili FC
Tolon FC
Sabongida FC
Sanzirugu FC
GROUP B
Poyola Fong FC
Sakasaka FC
Kanvili FC
Dungu FC
GROUP C
Aboabo FC
Bayanwaya FC
Nyohini FC
Shishagu FC
GROUP D
Gumani FC
Zogbeli FC
Dagbandabba Fong FC
Lamashegu FC
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassn/zaaghana.com
