The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has officially launched the seventh edition of the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, urging participating teams to use the competition as a platform to develop football talent and promote unity among Zongo communities.
This year’s tournament, scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2022, has been expanded to include 28 Zongo communities from across the country, making it the largest edition since the competition was introduced.
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Held annually after Ramadan as part of Eid celebrations, the tournament honours the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and seeks to promote the values of discipline, peace and unity among young people.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Ussif encouraged participants to view the competition as more than a recreational event, describing it as an opportunity for talented young footballers to showcase their abilities to professional scouts.
To enhance opportunities for the players, the Minister announced that he had personally invited 10 football academies and talent scouts to observe the tournament and identify promising players.
He urged participating communities to ensure that young footballers with potential were given the chance to compete and demonstrate their abilities.
The Presidential Coordinator of the Zongo Development Fund, Ben Abdallah Banda, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, encouraging participants to emulate the exemplary character and leadership of the National Chief Imam.
Mr Banda said the government recognised the abundance of football talent within Zongo communities and had invested in the construction of astro turf pitches in several communities to provide quality sporting infrastructure.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of these facilities and remain disciplined and determined in pursuing careers in football and other fields.
The founder of the competition, Tamimu Issah, thanked sponsors, community leaders and other stakeholders for their continued support, which has helped transform the tournament into one of Ghana’s biggest community football competitions.
The Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup began in 2015 with just eight Zongo communities in Accra but has since grown to include 28 participating communities nationwide.
The launch ceremony was attended by the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo.
The opening round of the competition will feature the following fixtures:
