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Ghana has earned a proud spot on the continental stage as two of its rising table tennis officials, Carl Romeo Ansah and Millicent Ankude, have been selected to participate in the fourth edition of the prestigious ITTF Young Umpires’ Project (YUP) 2025.
The initiative, which will culminate at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, aims to develop the next generation of elite umpires across the globe.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) released the list of 20 young officials from Africa, carefully chosen for their dedication, skill, and potential to contribute to the sport’s growth on the continent.
Ghana’s inclusion through Ansah and Ankude highlights the country’s growing influence in international table tennis and its commitment to nurturing young talent beyond the playing field.
Both Ansah and Ankude will undergo intensive training, mentorship, and practical exposure in the build-up to Dakar 2026.
This opportunity not only positions them as future international officials but also as role models for young Ghanaians aspiring to take up officiating as a pathway in sports development.
Other selected candidates represent a wide spread of African nations including Botswana, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — showcasing the ITTF’s inclusive approach to empowering youth across the continent.
The ITTF Young Umpires Project forms part of the federation’s broader vision to professionalize officiating and ensure fair play at the highest levels of competition.
By engaging young officials early, the ITTF is building a pipeline of highly skilled umpires who can serve the sport for decades to come.
For Ghana, this achievement reflects years of investment in the game and marks a significant milestone for the Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA).
With international exposure, Carl Romeo Ansah and Millicent Ankude are expected to bring valuable experience back home, further raising the standard of officiating within the local and regional circuits.
As the countdown to Dakar 2026 begins, the nation will rally behind its young umpires, confident that they will represent Ghana with integrity, discipline, and excellence.
