The owner of Division One club, Berekum Arsenal, Alhaji Yakubu Moro, has died.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the news on Friday, although reports state that Alhaji Moro passed away on Thursday after a short illness.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Berekum Arsenal Family. Rest In Peace Alhaji,” the GFA said in a tweet.
It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of the Founder and long-standing Club President of @BerekumArsenal Alhaji Yakubu Moro.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Berekum Arsenal Family. Rest In Peace Alhaji 😔🙏🏾— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) October 16, 2020
Alhaji Moro was an outspoken club executive who constantly took on the higher-ups whenever he felt that his club or the Division One League were being wronged.
Under his tenure, Berekum Arsenal were regulars in the Ghana Premier League throughout the 2000s and were seen as one of the country’s stronger sides.
They also made an appearance in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2006, after they beat CSMD Diables Noirs in the preceding round.
They were then eliminated by Angolan club, Petro Atlético
A number of Ghanaian clubs have expressed their condolences on Twitter, including Ashanti Gold and Asante Kotoko.
We are saddened by the news of painful demise of Alhaji Yakubu Moro.
Alhaji until his demise was the President of Berekum Arsenal FC and an iconic figure in Ghana Football.
Sir , May Allah grant you rest and everlasting peace. 🙏🏾#AKSC #KotokoCares pic.twitter.com/bPvrqBIkK6
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) October 16, 2020
We are saddened by the demise of the founder and President of Berekum Arsenal, Alhaji Yakubu Moro.
All of us at Ashantigold SC commiserates with his family, the club and the football fraternity. #MHSRIP
— Ashantigold SC (@AshantiGoldSC_) October 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/HeartOfLionsFc/status/1317025112902803461
Techiman City Football Club is saddened by the untimely demise of Alhaji Yakubu Moro, President of Berekum Arsenals
Our thoughts are with the bereaved family.
Allahumma Sabbithu Alal Kaoli Saabit Fagfir Lahuu Warhamhu. Ameen pic.twitter.com/HqQGDZXetz
— Techiman City FC (@techimancityfc_) October 16, 2020
All of us at Sekondi Hasaacas FC are saddened by the news of the demise of Bankroller and President of Berekum Arsenal, Alhaji Yakubu Moro.
We cherish all the memories you've left Ghana Football. #Hasmal
— Sekondi Hasaacas FC (@SekHasaacas) October 16, 2020
We are saddened by the untimely death of Alhaji Yakubu Moro President of Berekum Arsenal.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and the club. pic.twitter.com/yDqkdNW4Lm
— Phar Rangers FC (@PharRangers) October 16, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the owner and founder of @BerekumArsenal Alhaji Yakubu Moro who died few hours ago at the Ridge Hospital after short illness
May God give him an eternal rest😭 pic.twitter.com/LWueWg1N7f
— Tema Youth Sporting Club (@youth_tema) October 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/Kingfaisalfcgh/status/1317012012615032832
We are regretfully saddened by the news of the passing of a Community and Football stalwart Alhaji Yakubu Moro, founder and bank roller of @BerekumArsenal
SWAG commiserate with the family and Ghana Football.
May Allah keep his soul.@SWAG_BonoAhafo @swagvolta @SwagWestern pic.twitter.com/lb0U3nU5rn
— SPORTS WRITERS' ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (@SWAG_Ghana) October 16, 2020
A thought of comfort and condolences to the grieving family of the owner and bankroller of Division One club Berekum Arsenal FC Alhaji Yakubu Moro😭
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts🙏
Rest In Peace! pic.twitter.com/1YOvuPAMgy
— PFAG (@PFAGofficial) October 16, 2020
A number of footballers and sports journalists have also expressed their sadness following Alhaji Moros death.
Rest well bank roller of Brekum Arsenal football club Alhaji Yakubu Moro u paid your dues pic.twitter.com/NqOzKEuEvK
— Eric Alagidede (@EAlagidede) October 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/Jp4Paintsil/status/1317000966600859648
Ghana football has lost one big figure: Alhaji Yakubu Moro, President of Berekum Arsenal.
May Allah comfort his family, loved ones and friends at this trying times.
Also, may He forgive him his sins and grant him the highest level of jannah.
— Dom Agbakpe (@Dom91204346) October 16, 2020