Aduana FC Manager apologises to André Ayew, Paga residents over goat farming remark

Mr. Arhin described the comment as an unfortunate moment, admitting that he had erred and expressing regret over the controversy.

“I write to offer my sincere and unconditional apology to André Ayew for the comment. I do not intend to offer any explanation, but I apologise profusely. It was simply an unfortunate moment,” he said.

He added that he had absolute respect for André Ayew and his family for their passion, dedication and commitment to Ghanaian football.

“I have absolute respect for André and his family for their remarkable passion, dedication and commitment to Ghana football. I erred,” Mr. Arhin stated.

The apology follows a demand by the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) for the football administrator to withdraw the remark and publicly apologise to the community and the people of Northern Ghana.

In a statement issued on October 8, 2026, the group described the comment as “offensive, demeaning and unacceptable,” arguing that the reference to Paga in a discussion about Ayew’s reported interest in the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency unnecessarily disparaged the community.

PAYOM maintained that although Mr. Arhin was entitled to express his views on football administration, he should not have invoked Paga in a manner the group considered derogatory.

The movement also expressed concern that the remark could reinforce stereotypes that Northern Ghana is suited mainly to agriculture and livestock production, rather than leadership and other areas of national development.

It stressed, however, that its objection was not to goat farming, which it described as dignified work and an important part of Ghana’s economy, but to the context in which Paga was referenced.

In his apology, Mr. Arhin directly addressed the concerns of the community, saying he had no intention of disrespecting Paga, which he described as a beautiful town that had produced top footballers.

“I also wish to apologise to the good people of Paga for the offensive, demeaning and unacceptable comment, and I hope they find it in their hearts to forgive me,” he said.

“I had no intention of disrespecting a beautiful town that has produced top footballers, including the legendary Abedi Pelé.”

PAYOM had called on Mr. Arhin to withdraw the comment, apologise publicly to Paga residents and extend the apology to the people of Northern Ghana.

The group clarified that its demand was not an attack on Aduana FC, its supporters, the people of Dormaa or the Bono people, but a call for respect and responsible public discourse.

The controversy arose after Mr. Arhin was quoted as suggesting during a radio discussion on Space FM in Sunyani that Ayew should invest in goat farming in Paga rather than pursue the GFA presidency, arguing that football administration depended on relationships.

Ayew has not publicly announced an intention to contest for the GFA presidency, according to media reports on the controversy.

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