GOC boss meets Chief Imam - Over Islamic Games in 2021

The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah, has sought audience with the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, to set the tone for Ghana’s maiden participation in the World Islamic Solidarity Games scheduled for Istanbul, Turkey, in 2021.

To this end, the GOC and the Islamic community in Ghana led by the National Chief Imam have agreed to begin the necessary paper works to pave way for Ghana to become a member of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), organisers of the quadrennial games.

This came to light when the Mr Nunoo Mensah paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu at his residence.The Islamic Solidarity Games is a multinational, multi-sport event spearheaded by the ISSF and which involves elite athletes of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference which presently has a membership of 57.

Non-Muslim citizens in the member countries are also allowed to take part in the games, the first of which was held in 2005 in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Nunoo Mensah said the collaboration between the two institutions would offer Ghanaian Muslim athletes an opportunity to exhibit their talents at the world stage.

The Chief Imam, who was visibly elated at the news, commended the GOC for coming up with an idea that would help the Islamic community.

He promised to give it the requisite attention, adding that his office would do its part for Ghana to become a member of the ISSF so that the athletes could take part in the games come 2021.