The 2026 Honda football championship got under way on Tuesday, 24 March, with a vibrant opening ceremony in Tamale, bringing together officials, students and football enthusiasts.

Tamale mayor Alhaji Abubakari Adam Takoro performed the ceremonial kick-off alongside Francis Lew-Dibahi, deputy manager at Honda motor southern Africa, in a moment that set the tone for the five-day competition.

Organizers say the tournament continues to play an important role in promoting grassroots football, encouraging youth participation and strengthening community pride across the region.

Several key figures from Ghana’s sporting institutions were also present, underlining the level of support behind the event. They included national sports authority board member Idrisu Mohammed, as well as representatives from the Ghana university sports association, Jonah Yakubu and Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko.

Eight universities are competing in this year’s edition: University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), Tamale Technical University (TaTU), University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), University of Ghana (UG), University of Development Studies (UDS), University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), and the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).

All matches will be played at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, with teams battling for top honours and a winner’s prize of GH₵25,000.

The tournament, which runs until 28 March, is powered by Honda in partnership with overseas union Ltd, the sole distributors of Honda motorcycles in Ghana and is organized by RITE sports services.