Historically sporting events such as wrestling, hunting, foot racing etc have been with Ghanaians even before the advent of the Europeans. These sports were usually organised during festive seasons and as a form of exercise and a means of communal unity. Sports have been an important part of the Ghanaian society and hijack newspaper headlines and social media trends anytime there is a sporting activity ongoing.

 In addition to uniting the nation, sports bring people together regardless of tribal or political affiliations in order to hug and embrace each other. Sporting events in Ghana have evolved from a cultural competition to a national activity with some becoming more popular than others.

Ghana has recently made headlines not only for its peace and prosperity, but also for being the most sporting nation in Africa. Here are some of the most popular sports in Ghana:

Three most popular sports in Ghana.

   FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

• In Ghana, small open spaces are fast turning into football pitches with a lot of football events hosted in rural, urban and city centres. Football has gained the attention of the nation through investment and policies to become the nation’s most popular sporting event.
• Football has become the pride of the nation with everyone trooping to stadia to watch matches or glued to their set if the national team plays. The Black Stars is the senior men’s national team that has the nation’s utmost attention, especially during tournaments.

   BOXING

• Known as the world boxing University, Bukom a fishing community along the coast of Accra has produced world-class boxers. Boxing is very popular in the country is only comes next to football. Towns and communities along the coastal regions of Ghana are known for their dominance and interest in boxing. 

• Bukom is the epicentre of boxing in the nation and has an ultra-modern sports complex. Boxing gym is found in almost every corner of Jamestown, chorkor and Bukom. Before football became the nation’s most popular sport, Boxing used to be the leading sporting event from the mid-70s to the late 90s

    ATHLETICS

• Athletics is noted be among the most popular sports in Ghana which has always projected the name of Ghana on a global stage, especially through the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games. The country has produced highly talented athletes with some winning medals at the Olympic games.

• As early as primary school, students are encouraged to take part in athletics and scouted out during this phase of their education. Ghana has an athletic association that seeks to the welfare of athletes. The country rallies support behind this sporting event anytime there is an ongoing event.

Next time you visit Ghana, don’t be surprised to see children playing football in the open fields or boxing on the beaches. Sports are not just an event, but a way for the Ghanaians to share a common bond.

Destination Ghana

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