Few people can say they have officiated football at both local and international levels, but Salifu Barikisu is not like most.

The Tamale-based FIFA referee has quietly been making a name for herself on and off the pitch, and her story deserves to be told.

Barikisu is currently a Level 400 student studying Hospitality Management at Tamale Technical University (TaTU), proving that balancing academics and a high-level refereeing career is no easy feat, yet she makes it look effortless. 

Right now, Barikisu is in action at the 2026 Honda Football Championship, currently officiating Day 2 at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale. Her presence at the championship comes with a historic distinction; she is the only female referee officiating at the 2026 Honda Football Championship. In a competition featuring some of the best university football teams in the country, her presence on the pitch is a statement in itself and a proud moment for women in Ghanaian football.

On the local scene, Barikisu has built an impressive refereeing portfolio. She has officiated in the Women’s Premier League, Division One League, and the Ghana Premier League, cementing her reputation as one of the most reliable officials in the country. Last season, she was involved in high-profile fixtures including, a Ghana Premier League game between Dreams FC and Basake Holy Stars, as well as the MTN Ghana FA Cup Round of 32 clash between Edubiase United FC and Berekum Arsenal. This season, she has already taken on the role of fourth official in the Ghana Premier League fixture between Hearts of Oak and Eleven Wonders, played at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Beyond Ghana’s borders, Barikisu has represented the country on the international stage with distinction. She officiated at the WAFU Zone B tournament held in Kumasi, and has taken her whistle to countries including Morocco, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda, demonstrating that her talent is recognised far beyond home soil.

From the classrooms of Tamale Technical University to the football pitches of West Africa and beyond, Salifu Barikisu is a shining example of dedication, discipline, and ambition. The best, it seems, is still yet to come.

Head down to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium and catch all the action from today through Saturday, 28th March 2026. Kick off begins at 8:00am each day, so make sure you do not miss a moment.

The 2026 Honda Football Championship is powered by Honda and Overseas Union Ltd, the sole distributors of Honda Motorcycles in Ghana. The event is produced by RITE Sports Services.