Which are the most popular sports in Ghana? The sports culture in Ghana explained

Which are the most popular sports in Ghana? The sports culture in Ghana explained

Kevin Omuya
updated at November 3, 2023 at 11:12 AM

Football (soccer) is the reigning monarch of sports in Ghana. Ghanaians have an unparalleled love for the sport, and the country has produced some stars who have made their mark on the world. Some footballers of worldwide prominence and renowned figures include Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien. Discover unknown facts about the most popular sports in Ghana.

Sports In Ghana
Thomas Partey of Ghana during Ghana against Gabon, Africa Cup of Nations at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. Photo: Thor Wegner
Source: Getty Images

Boxing has a long tradition in Ghana. There have been some boxers of worldwide prominence who hail from this country. Athletics is another area where they have succeeded, notably in sports like sprinting and long-distance running. The nation has produced excellent athletes participating in primary worldwide contests, including the Olympics.

What are some other sports in Ghana? Among other sports, the traditional marks of the country are also quite crucial to the country's sporting scene. Games like "ludo" and "ampe" are popular at the local level and show the cultural richness of the nation. Here are the famous sports in Ghana.

10. Hockey

Traditional Sports In Ghana,
Dede Okine of Team Ghana (left) on the ball whilst under pressure from Mourine Owiti of Team Kenya (right) during the Women's Hockey Classification 9-10 match of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Game on August 05, 2022, in Birmingham, England. Photo: Alex Davidson
Source: Getty Images

The exciting combination of speed, agility, and strategy in field hockey has won over the hearts of sports fans. The Ghana Hockey Association is at the forefront of this sport's administration inside the nation, conducting local tournaments and supporting its development.

The Hockey World Cup is a popular event for Ghanaian fans to tune in to. Nafisatu Umaru, a great player who has represented the country multiple times, represents their sports proficiency. As more Ghanaians walk onto the hockey field, the sport's presence increases, enhancing the country's colourful sports environment.

9. Rugby

Popular Sports In Ghana,
Ghana's Josiah Twum Boafo tries to break free from Burundi's Maurice Nkurumziza during the Africa Men's Sevens World Cup Qualifying Tournament match between Burundi and Ghana at the Kayadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala on April 23, 2022. Photo: Tony Karumba
Source: Getty Images

Rugby, while less common in the country than other sports, has garnered a dedicated and passionate following. Rugby's physicality and tactical complexity appeal to many Ghanaians.

The Ghana Rugby Football Union manages the sport's growth inside the nation, organizing local leagues and competitions. Ghanaians also take a keen interest in international rugby competitions like the Rugby World Cup. A star player in Ghana, Emmanuel Kalos, has raised the sport's popularity with his exploits.

8. Badminton

Traditional Sports In Ghana,
Ghana's Sam Daniel in a Badminton Men's singles match against Aatish Lubah of Mauritius at the Emirates Arena during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 29, 2014. Photo: Glyn Kirk
Source: Getty Images

Badminton has evolved as a treasured sport in the country, with its fast gameplay and tactical complexity garnering a committed following. The Badminton Association of Ghana is the driving force behind badminton's growth in the nation, hosting tournaments and encouraging participation from newcomers.

Badminton World Championships and other international competitions are closely followed by fans worldwide. Grace Atipaka is a great player who has represented Ghana in various international games, showing the country's skill pool. More and more Ghanaians are picking up badminton, which is excellent news for the sport's rising profile and success.

7. Table tennis

Famous Sports In Ghana,
Felix Lartey of Ghana competes during the Table Tennis men's team round against England on day one of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Oxenford Studios on April 5, 2018, on the Gold Coast, Australia. Photo: Jono Searle
Source: Getty Images

Table tennis has developed a significant foothold in Ghana's athletic environment, with its accessibility and compelling gameplay attracting players of all ability levels. It is one of the most popular games in the country.

The Table Tennis Association of Ghana coordinates national tournaments, while avid followers follow the Table Tennis World Championships with interest. One of Ghana's best table tennis players, Derek Abrefa, has helped bring the sport to new heights by competing for Ghana in several international events.

6. Tennis

Traditional Sports In Ghana,
US-based Ghanaian tennis star Herman Abban in Ghana's Golden Rackets squad for the Davis Cup in Cairo, Egypt, on April 20, 2021. Photo: ASN
Source: Getty Images

Tennis in Ghana, like tennis everywhere else, is a popular sport because of the elegance, discipline, and strategy it requires of its participants. It is one of the most popular games in the country.

The Ghana Tennis Federation handles local competitions, and avid fans watch the Grand Slam tournaments worldwide. Naa Shika Adu, an experienced Ghanaian player who has represented Ghana multiple times, illustrates the nation's developing potential in the sport.

5. Volleyball

What Are Some Sports In Ghana
Eric Tsatsu of Ghana competes in the Boy's Beach Volleyball on day 1 of the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games at Queen Elizabeth Sports Center on July 18, 2017, in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo: Mark Kolbe
Source: Getty Images

Volleyball's significant popularity in Ghana may be attributed to the sport's charisma and the excitement it brings to players and fans. The Ghana Volleyball Association conducts national competitions and leagues, supporting the sport's development within the country.

The FIVB Volleyball World Championship is a popular international tournament that draws attention in Ghana. Beatrice D. M. Torsu, a star player who has competed for Ghana in several international competitions, indicates the country's growing volleyball potential.

4. Basketball

Famous Sports In Ghana,
Asvel's US shooting guard DeMarcus Nelson (R) works around Monaco's Ghanaian-French shooting guard Billy Yakuba Ouattara during the French LNB Pro A Basketball Leaders Cup final on February 19, 2017, in Marne-La-Vallee, east of Paris. Photo: Alain Jocard
Source: Getty Images

The Ghana Basketball Association has put in a lot of work to get the game out there, and fans watch games worldwide, including the NBA. Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a former NBA player who also represented the Great Britain national team, serves as a symbol of Ghanaian basketball ability.

Basketball's popularity in Ghana will only increase due to the sport's rising number of devoted local clubs, its expanding worldwide profile, and the growing enthusiasm of its fans. The easy availability and fun aspects of basketball have contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity in Ghana.

3. Athletics

Importance Of Sports In Ghana,
Sean Safo-Antwi of Ghana preparing for the Men's 100m - Round 1 - Heats during the Athletics competition at Alexander Stadium during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on August 2, 2022, in Birmingham, England. Photo: Tim Clayton
Source: Getty Images

Ghanaians love to support their country's athletes in national and international contests like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Alice Annum, a legendary sprinter, will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in Ghana's history.

Athletics enjoys a storied history in Ghana, demonstrating the country's prowess in various track and field events. Gold medals at the 2018 African Championships and the 2019 African Games show that the government is committed to athletics. As fresh athletes emerge, Ghana's list of sports accomplishments grows.

2. Boxing

Famous Sports In Ghana,
Manny Pacquiao (R) from the Philippines is hit before defeating Joshua Clottey of Ghana during their World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title fight at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on March 13, 2010. Photo: Mark Ralston
Source: Getty Images

Boxing is unique in Ghana’s sports landscape, with enthusiastic fans and competitors ensuring its continued prominence. A potent combination of strength, skill, and determination defines the essence of boxing within the country.

The legendary Azumah Nelson, a three-time world champion, represents the pinnacle of Ghanaian boxing, earning the nickname “The Professor” for his strategic prowess. Ghanaian boxers have accumulated numerous world titles, with unforgettable bouts against global rivals marking the sport’s enduring appeal.

1. Soccer

Famous Sports In Ghana,
Comoros' forward Faiz Selemani (L) fights for the ball with Ghana's forward Abdul Fatawu Issahaku during the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match on January 18, 2022. Photo: Daniel Beloumou
Source: Getty Images

Soccer is an indispensable part of Ghana’s sports culture, appealing to people of all ages with its engaging pace and widespread accessibility. The Ghana Premier League, the country’s top soccer competition, witnesses local clubs battling for supremacy on a national stage.

Abedi Pele, a living legend and former captain of the Ghana national team, has left an indelible mark on Ghanaian soccer. The Black Stars, Ghana’s national soccer team, achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010. This accomplishment solidified soccer’s position in Ghana’s sporting landscape.

Importance of sports in Ghana

Sports in Ghana extend beyond mere entertainment; they are a powerful tool for social integration, health promotion, economic development, and the nurturing of national pride and talent. Here are some of the importance of sports in Ghana;

  1. It can unite people across different regions and ethnicities in Ghana.
  2. Serves as a platform for social interaction and cohesion.
  3. Active participation in sports promotes a healthy lifestyle.
  4. Successful programs and events can have a positive economic impact.
  5. Provide a platform for identifying and nurturing talent.
  6. Successful teams and athletes represent the country on the global stage.
  7. Investments in sports infrastructure and facilities contribute to community development.

Sports in Ghana serve as a unifying force, a source of national pride, and an opportunity to honour the country's rich history and culture. Football remains the heartbeat of the country's sports culture, bringing communities together and creating a shared sense of pride and identity.

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Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.