By Nickolas Jr. Weizmann
So far the significance of sport in regard to the development of children and adolescents through physical engagement is well known. Sport is multidimensional, social-, individual and physical but through the framework set by the globalised world we live in, identities, especially children, are strongly shaped by foreign influences.
Surf Ghana, an accra based collective founded by Sandy Alibo, actively takes countermeasures by incorporating extreme sports as a tool for social inclusion and empowerment of the youth, creating a platform for the Ghanaian youth. In December 2017 the Freedom Skatepark, located in East Legon, opened its gates for the first time, making it Ghana’ s first skate park. Since then, public figures like Virgil Abloh, Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa visited and paid homage to the skatepark and Surf Ghana.
“The collective aims to become a safe space for the youth, to become a voice for the youth and of diversity, which pushes a narrative of freedom & self-expression, based at the Freedom Park. We also b to create a platform for local artists to promote a culture of tolerance & peace, to openly celebrate African young creatives” (Sandy Alibo)
The Surf Ghana Collective so far collected and donated 850 sport equipment, trained 2000 children in skateboarding and surfing, hosted around 15 events and had over 27400 fans& supporters globally (https://surfghana.org, last visited: 13.5.2026). Since I first started working with the SurfGhana Collective in December ’23, they collected and donated 230 different pieces of sport equipment, by 2026 it rose to 850 & from 7400 fans and supporters globally, they shot up to 27400 at this point in time.
The pan-african call for diasporic africans to return to Ghana represents an opportunity for young abroad living black diasporans to relocate and learn more about their cultural heritage. Foreigners, coming from african descent are already contributing to Ghana’s economical development by generating revenues through, i.e. remittances or by relocating and establishing businesses that generate tax income and create jobs.
One thing on their agenda is to improve physical and mental health through skateboarding and surfing, aiming to reduce major health problems like diabetes and obesity, while forming a sport ecosystem which could potentially benefit Ghanaian sport athletes and Ghana as a tourist destination in general. Furthermore, sport is nowadays increasingly seen as a non-medical method to overcome trauma, whether stemming from violent conflicts or resulting from natural catastrophe.
Youth identity is seen as a nexus of correlated social, political and economic composition and is therefore very complex. The interaction with peers, having a sense of belonging, as well as a positive environment to build prosperous character traits is essential for the physical- and mental health of children and adolescents. The complexly constructed identity as such is orbiting around the feeling of social belonging and relevance, with varying strength in expression.
With initiatives like ‘Pushing against racism “, the “Skate Gal Club”, or the “Vibrate Space” Surf Ghana creates opportunities for young adults to highlight cultural integrity by connecting and uplifting Ghana’s identity with their modern and artistic ideas. I.e. The Vibrate Space, a recording studio equipped with a mixer and a loudspeaker system hosts many different local artists daily, found in an interesting, decorated lounge and atmosphere.
Affiliations with Surf Ghana therefor not only create spaces for young people to explore their interests and sharpen their skateboarding skills, but also a framework for teenagers and adolescents to gain monetary income while participating in global skate tournaments, having the benefits of a well-balanced health and improvements with youth in amongst other things: life skills, self-esteem, moral sense, communication skills and a sense of community.
Shouldn‘t it become a ghanaian standard to break down stereotypes, transform negative attitudes and empower communities to create a more homogeneous and less conflict prone society?
For young people, the direct living environment is an important field of experience and learning. Sport carries preventative facets, inhabiting recreational and rehabilitational qualities. Many members told us that if it would not have been for Surf Ghana, they never would have travelled abroad, participated in international skateboarding competitions or earned money with skateboarding.
Unfortunately the Freedom Skatepark was forced to close half of their park due to legal difficulties. Yet the collective still operates, teaching young children skateboarding and creating safe spaces for Ghana’ s youth.
