FEATURE: The economic power of football and the rippling effects on the Tamale economy

Often times, I have said that football, if well harnessed, can be a great tool towards the economic emancipation of every country and Ghana is not an exception.

The recent WAFU Nations Cup hosted in Cape Coast leaves precipitates of what football can do for every economy.

Research has revealed that Brazil exports over 1000 players to Europe and the rest of the world every year and the rippling effect is that the country’s economy experiences a major boom in terms of foreign exchange.

The decision of the MTN FA Cup Committee to stage this year’s final between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak in Tamale is not only the best of choices but also makes economic sense.

Are you aware that almost all the top hotels in Tamale are booked with 4 days to the #UNMISSABLE FA Cup final between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko? That is the power of football.

I wish government is taking a closer look at the economic boom the Tamale economy is experiencing from now till Monday.

* Flights are assured of ready market as many people will be moving from Accra to Tamale

* STC, VIP and other road transport companies will also have their share of the boom since many others will travel by land to Tamale

* Only Allah knows the number of Guinea Fowls that will be eaten within the period - the farmer also makes market.

* Internal transport will also boom - taxis, bikers and owners of Mahama Cambou will also see a rise in sales

* Guest houses will not be left out

* Food vendors will thank their stars for the competition

°Then on the day of the game, the ready jobs that will be created are just enormous

* The Chinchinga seller will be happy

* The ice water seller will laugh

* The soft drinks and the ice kenkey seller will rejoice.

* There will be a rise in fuel consumption and the fuel seller will scream for more

... all these are because of football.

If we do it well, the economy will change. There will be a high reduction in the rate of unemployment.

Football is an economic redeemer; let government invest in it by building a lot of academies and sports centers, Ghana will laugh in the end.

The Tamale economy is set to see a 100% rise within 4 days.

I love football and will fight anyone who fights football. If well harnessed, it's an economic redeemer!

Thumbs up to the FA Cup Committee for choosing Tamale as the center to stage the finals of the MTN FA Cup.

By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter

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