Mr. John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Merchant Bank (umb), has said, it is time to celebrate former president John Agyekum Kufuor, for his immense contribution to the development of the nation, by using football.

He said, football was the passion of the nation, hence it was appropriate to use it as a tool for celebrating the former president at this moment of his life.

"Former president Kufuor engineered most of the social interventions, we have in Ghana today.

"He was a great president and his contribution to sports and football especially, cannot be underestimated.

"We must celebrate him by using the passion of the nation - football, to bring everybody together". Mr Awuah, whose outfit is the headline sponsor for the event, said this when he received the trophy for the match at his office in Accra.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko and AsahtiGold would on Sunday, December 30, compete for the first ever J. A. Kufuor Cup match, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The match forms part of activities marking the 80th birthday celebrations of the former president, as well as a fundraising activity to support the foundation.

Mr. Awuah said the umb was proud to be associated with the event, as key partners of the match.

"He left an enviable legacy, that must be protected and he must be celebrated and honoured for his his eight years of solid services to Ghana.

"It is a day all the people who matter in society would be around to witness. Politicians, members of present and past governments, present and ex-footballers and we feel proud to be associated with the event" Mr. Awuah.

He said the former president has played a key role in the development of Ghana, from his days as Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), minister and as a president.

Mr. Awuah, who doubles as the chairman of the J A Kufuor Cup, said the match presents a golden opportunity for the entire nation to celebrate the former president through the passion of the nation.

He urged all football fans to fill the stands on Sunday, December 30, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.