Ghana Rugby Stands Tall at First-Ever UK/Ghana Sports Day in Accra

The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) brought energy and visibility to the first-ever UK/Ghana Sports Day held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.

The event, a joint initiative between Ghana and the United Kingdom, showcased more than twenty sporting disciplines and drew hundreds of enthusiastic spectators, athletes, and officials.

For many, it was a rare opportunity to see a broad spectrum of Ghana’s sporting talent gathered on a single platform.

Ghana Rugby fielded five teams, comprising two women’s sides and three men’s teams, demonstrating both depth and growing interest in the sport. The women opened with two spirited exhibition matches, earning applause for their discipline and teamwork. The men followed with six competitive games marked by intensity and clear technical improvement, underscoring how far the sport has progressed in recent years.

Medals were presented to the teams, adding a celebratory touch to a day defined by sportsmanship.
A symbolic highlight came when His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, arrived on the field. His interactions were warm and encouraging, creating a memorable moment for players who often compete without such high-profile visibility. GRFU President Ms. Rafatu Inusah later presented him with a Ghana Rugby jersey, a gesture that reflected both pride and the Union’s commitment to deepening international sporting ties.

The event also drew significant continental and national leadership. Rugby Africa President Mr. Herbert Mensah attended part of the men’s games, reinforcing the union’s growing continental relevance. Senior government officials including the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams, and the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, were present, along with representatives from the UK High Commission and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, signaling strong institutional support for the occasion.

In statements released after the event, the GRFU expressed appreciation to the British High Commission and the National Sports Authority for creating a platform that allowed lesser-highlighted sports, including rugby, to shine. The Union also acknowledged Mr. Herbert Mensah for his sustained advocacy across the continent, as well as the players whose commitment continues to drive the sport’s expansion in Ghana. Media partners were also commended for amplifying the sport’s story beyond the stadium.

Prince Edward’s message during the ceremony resonated with many of the young athletes, emphasizing the unifying and transformative role of sport. His presence, alongside other dignitaries, elevated the profile of the event and reaffirmed rugby’s growing place within Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.

For the GRFU, the day marked not just participation but a meaningful step toward broader visibility, deeper collaboration, and renewed momentum for the future of the sport in the country.