The Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF) has secured backing from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to expand American football in schools, as officials seek to diversify the country’s sports base beyond traditional disciplines.
A delegation led by GAFF President Larry Wahab met senior ministry officials in Accra to outline plans for youth training camps, inter-club competitions and the rollout of the sport in government schools, particularly at the district level.
“Over the past few years, we have seen a remarkable rise in participation and the formation of local clubs across the country,” Wahab said. “Our goal is to harness this momentum to promote discipline, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles through American football.”
The federation is targeting underserved schools as part of an inclusion strategy aimed at broadening access to the sport, according to Wahab.
Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah said the ministry supports efforts to widen Ghana’s sporting ecosystem and is prepared to collaborate on capacity-building programs. The ministry will also coordinate with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Local Government to facilitate school-based initiatives.
The Sports Ministry designated a liaison officer to work with GAFF, a move aimed at strengthening coordination and raising the sport’s visibility.
American football remains a niche sport in Ghana, where football dominates, but interest has been building among younger athletes. GAFF counts support from international stakeholders, including representatives linked to the National Football League and the International Federation of American Football.
The engagement with government marks a step toward institutionalizing the sport, as GAFF seeks to translate grassroots interest into structured programs and competitive pathways.
