The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has demanded a public apology from Aduana FC manager Takyi Arhin over remarks it says were derogatory towards Paga and Northern Ghana.

The demand follows comments attributed to Takyi Arhin during a radio discussion on Space FM in Sunyani, which were later circulated on other media platforms.

According to a news card published by 90Plus Sports, Takyi Arhin is quoted as saying: “Dede Ayew should invest his money in goat farming in Paga,

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PAYOM said the reference to Paga was “deeply offensive, demeaning and unacceptable”, arguing that the community should not be portrayed as a place where people should retreat to when they are unable to attain positions of influence.

The group said such comments reinforce what it described as an unfortunate stereotype that Northern Ghana is primarily associated with agriculture and livestock, while national leadership and positions of influence are reserved for other parts of the country.

“The five regions of the North are not a dumping ground for ambitions,” PAYOM said, stressing that the region has produced leaders, professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, public servants and business figures who have made significant contributions to Ghana.

PAYOM stressed that its objection is not to goat farming, which it described as a legitimate and important economic activity, but to the manner and context in which Paga was referenced.

The movement has therefore called on Arhin to withdraw the statement and publicly apologise to the people of Paga and Northern Ghana.

PAYOM also clarified that its position is not an attack on Aduana FC, its supporters, the people of Dormaa or the Bono people.

“This is not an attack on Bono people. It is a demand for respect,” the group said.

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