Popular Ghanaian comic actor Akabenezer has joined forces with emerging football scouting platform KickNation to help unearth young football talents in Kumasi through a grassroots scouting tournament scheduled for April.

The event, known as the KickNation Community First Gala, will run from April 15 to 19 at Alignment Park. It is expected to draw young players from across the Ashanti Region, offering them a rare opportunity to perform in front of scouts, coaches and talent recruiters.

Organisers say the tournament is designed to identify promising footballers who could join the KickNation talent portfolio and potentially secure development opportunities abroad. The initiative is being spearheaded by KickNation founder Wunnam Haruna, son of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.

Akabenezer’s involvement has generated excitement among fans, particularly after he appeared in a recent promotional skit showing off unexpected football skills alongside rising content creator Gruma.

His participation reflects a growing trend of Ghanaian entertainers supporting grassroots football development. Actor Yaw Dabo has also gained attention in recent years for investing time and resources into youth football and academy structures.

KickNation representatives say their aim is to bridge the gap between talented players in local communities and opportunities on the international stage. The organisation has already begun building links abroad, recently helping two young footballers secure placements in academies in the United Kingdom.

With hundreds of young hopefuls expected to participate, the tournament is shaping up to be a major grassroots football event in Kumasi. It is being powered by the Global Football Festival, an initiative focused on youth development, football promotion and sports entertainment across Africa.