MTN Ghana launches 6th Edition of Savannahfest in Tamale
MTN Ghana has launched the sixth edition of its SavannahFest festival in Tamale, combining football, music, health outreach and community activities as the telecommunications company marks 30 years of operations in Ghana.
The festival will run from September 18 to October 3, 2026, at the Nobisco Football Park and other selected locations in Tamale. It is aimed at celebrating northern culture, rewarding customers and strengthening MTN’s engagement with communities, traditional authorities, businesses and young people.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, September 16, the Area Sales Manager for MTN’s Northern Sector, Richard Asamane, said the festival comes at a significant time for the company as it celebrates its 30th anniversary under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You.”
Mr Asamane said the festival will open with community gala matches involving 16 teams drawn from various communities. Other activities include an MTN musical concert on September 19, a clean-up exercise at the Tamale Central Business District and Tamale Teaching Hospital on September 25, and a health walk and free health screening at Tamale Jubilee Park on September 26.
He said the combination of sports, entertainment and health activities is intended to bring customers and residents together while responding to practical community needs.
Mr Asamane also highlighted MTN Ghana’s broader community investment initiatives, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment. He cited recent interventions in the Northern Sector, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises, digital-skills training and the establishment of a multipurpose digital resource centre at the University for Development Studies’ Dungu Campus in Tamale.
Also speaking at the launch, Regional Sports Director Ibrahim Jihad thanked MTN Ghana for bringing the festival to Tamale and urged the participating teams to showcase their talents while maintaining discipline throughout the competition.
He encouraged the teams to actively involve the communities they represent, particularly community leaders, to ensure strong support and fan participation during the tournament. He also called on referees to ensure fair and transparent officiating.
Retired referee and Chief Referee for the tournament, Mr Ayuba, assured participants of disciplined officiating. He said the organisers would rely largely on the established rules familiar to the participating teams to minimise confusion during matches.
⁸Representatives of some of the participating teams also expressed their readiness for the competition and outlined their expectations for the tournament.
The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups.
Group A: Kakpagyili, Tolon, Sabongida and Sanzirigu.
Group B: Poloya Fong, Sakasaka, Kanvilli and Dungu.
Group C: Aboabo, Nyohini, Bayanwaya and Shishegu.
Group D: Gumani, Zogbeli, Dagbandaba Fong and Lamashegu.
The community gala matches are scheduled to begin on September 18 at the Nobisco Football Park, with the festival expected to continue until October 3.
Source:Northwebonline.com