The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has revealed that his outfit, in partnership with National Football League (NFL), are closely working together to introduce and develop American football in Ghana.
According to the sector Minister, the ministry is working vigorously with relevant stakeholders to ensure that this new sport is introduced in schools all across the country.
The Minister made these revelations at a media briefing held on Wednesday, July 26 2023, in Accra and themed, “Update on Ghana’s preparation towards hosting the 13th African Games, sports and youth development”.
“The Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Ministry, has partnered the NFL for the introduction and development of American Football in schools in Ghana. Through this partnership, the NFL organised its first ever tournament in Africa in Ghana and also held a special development tournament in Ghana with 10 selected schools participating and with over 400 participants. Out of this, 10 young Ghanaians were selected to represent Africa at the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl in the USA – a special tournament which precedes the famous Super Bowl. The young Ghanaian team, which had just been introduced to the sport and the tournament, placed 4th benind experienced participants such as the USA, Australia and Mexico,” he said.
Addressing the audience, he expressed government’s commitment to strenghten this partnership as it looks to create an all inclusive sports avenue for the development of the Ghanaian youth through American football.
“The partnership with the NFL continues and later this year, the number of participating schools is expected to increase in the 2nd edition of the developmental NFL Flag Football Competition, which will also select the best players for next year’s Pro Bowl in the USA. I want to use this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their commitment towards the realization of this project”.
The 13th African Games are expected to be held in Ghana between 8 and 23 March 2024. This is the second time in history that the games will be descentralized,as three cities in the country will host the event, on dates yet to be confirmed. The three cities chosen for these functions are Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
The main aim of hosting and organizing the 13th African Games, Accra 2023 is to use sport to achieve national and continental development goals and contribute to Ghana’s transformational agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063: “Africa We Want.”
