MARSHALLS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SPONSORS HISTORIC 3-DAY SOCCER GALA AT OTSIRMAN EGUADOW FESTIVAL

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Marshalls University College proudly sponsored the first-ever Otsirman Eguadow Festival 3-day Soccer Gala in Otsir, a culturally rich yet underdeveloped town in Ghana’s Central Region. The Board of Governors of Marshalls, led by the Chairman, Rev. Allan Kwame Okomeng-Mensah, and supported by faculty members, this initiative is part of the university’s commitment to community development and cultural preservation.

A HISTORIC SUPPORT
The decision to support this event stems from Marshalls’ belief in fostering a connection between educational institutions and rural communities. Under the leadership of Nana Munukum Gyebir Abban III, the Chief of Otsir, the university engaged with local authorities to ensure the event’s success. The Otsir-Eguadow festival, which translates to “weeding of the market,” is deeply rooted in the town’s historical and spiritual heritage. Historically, the land of Otsir was used as a marketplace for trading, including the dark period of slave trading under Danish occupation. Today, the festival symbolizes community unity and cultural revival, with the soccer gala serving as a key part of the celebration.

It is important to note that Mr. Abraham Acquaye, Head of the Nsona Royal Family, has been a pivotal figure in bridging the university’s involvement with the local community. Mr. Acquaye, a former Senator and International Vice President of the Junior Chamber International, and an Ambassador of the International Youth Conference, brings both native wisdom and international experience to the partnership, ensuring the gala’s broader impact.

THE SOCCER GALA: AN EXCITING COMMUNITY EVENT

The 3-day soccer gala, held from Wednesday, 11th September to Friday, 13th September 2024, attracted teams from neighbouring towns, including Otsir, Kromantsi, Abandzi, and Krobadzi. The final match, a thrilling encounter between Otsir and Kromantsi, ended in a penalty shoot-out, with Otsir triumphing 5-3 to win the first-place trophy.

In addition to the championship, several awards were presented:

• Trophy & Cash Prizes for the top three teams.
• Best Player Award and Promising Young Player Award for individual excellence.
• Water packs and other essential resources for all teams, contributing to their continued success beyond the gala.

The Ebusuapayin Nana Kow Acquaye, head of the Nsona Royal family, presented the trophy to the champions of Otsir, while Opayin Kassim presented the second prize to Kromantsi, further cementing the communal ties that were strengthened through sports.

HISTORICAL & CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OTSIR

Otsir’s roots trace back to the aboriginal Etsi people, a group known for their distinctive culture and once referred to as “Etsi fuifo” by their Fanti neighbours, meaning “people with bushy hair.” Over centuries, this term morphed into “Etsii,” which the town proudly retains today.

Historical records suggest that Otsir was a major hub for the slave trade, with deals brokered beneath trees that have stood for over 300 years. These trees were not only trading posts but also served as sites where paramount chiefs would adjudicate matters of state. Otsir is also associated with spiritual beliefs that tie its people to the sky, a connection that lives on through the title of the town’s chief, “Nana Munukum”, meaning “Chief of the Skies.”

Some historians propose that the people of Etsi might have origins in ancient Egypt, but this remains a topic for further scholarly debate. For now, Marshalls University embraces the opportunity to engage with Otsir’s rich cultural history while promoting education and community development.

As part of the festival’s grand finale, a traditional Durbar will be held. On this significant day, the Chiefs and people of Etsii will embark on a visit to the sacred forest. There, they will perform important rites and maintain the grounds where the remains of paramount chiefs, who were historically beheaded for committing offences against their states, are buried.

OUR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Marshalls University College sees this event as more than just a sponsorship—it’s a long-term investment in “social good” and the “revitalisation of rural communities”. By sponsoring the gala and offering financial support for the festival, the university has set a precedent for other institutions to engage in meaningful CSR initiatives that align with local values and traditions.

The delegation from Marshalls, led by Prof. Kofi Boakye, The Dean of Academic Affairs and the Executive Secretary of the Marshalls Doctoral Faculty (MDF), included Mr. Charles Otsiabah, Mr. Sylvester Arhin, and Mr. Edmund Dankwah, all of whom played key roles in facilitating the event and ensuring that it went off without a hitch. Their involvement demonstrates Marshalls’ active engagement beyond the academic realm, showcasing the institution as a pillar of community support and development.

A LASTING PARTNERSHIP

Marshalls University’s sponsorship of the Otsirman Eguadow Festival Soccer Gala is only the beginning. As part of its broader CSR strategy, the university aims to continue working closely with Otsir and other similar communities in Ghana to foster educational outreach, cultural preservation, and economic development. By contributing to events such as this, Marshalls not only solidifies its brand as a leader in academic excellence but also as a committed advocate for community upliftment.

The gala has set a precedent for future endeavours, and Marshalls University hopes to make it an annual event. The university’s involvement in this historic festival marks a pivotal step in combining education with community service, solidifying its role as a transformative institution that balances academic rigour with social responsibility.

By emphasising our role in community development, Marshalls appeals to prospective students, partners, and sponsors who value institutions that invest in the social fabric of Ghana.

For more exciting updates from Marshalls University College as it continues to build bridges and foster relationships that benefit both academia and society.

ADDRESS
Marshalls University College
No. 14, Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia Highway, Odorkor, Accra, Opposite Gloryland Hotel.

Phone: +233 242 561 005 or +233 27 774 1576
Email: info@marshalls.edu.gh
Website: www.marshalls.edu.gh

MARSHALLS!!!
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