Former Ghana Olympic Committee President, Ben Nunoo Mensah, is reported to have played a pivotal role in the formation of the National Esports Federation in Ghana.
According to the President of the Ghana Esports Federation, Igbor Boumekpo, the journey began informally, with him and his friends playing video games for fun at various gaming centres.
During one of these sessions, Ben Nunoo Mensah happened to be present and encouraged Boumekpo to explore the idea of establishing a nationally recognised Esports federation.
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“I have to acknowledge that the whole idea of a National Esports Federation came from one man who suggested we go for a federation. There was a center at the West Hills Mall. So in 2015/2016, we were having our own tournament, and the man came and said, ‘He likes what we’re doing, so it’s better you guys get close to the authority, be recognised by the National Sports Authority, and endorsed by the Sports Ministry, and the GOC will support.’
“So the whole federation idea was suggested by the man to have executives, regional chairpersons, a constitution, and a development plan to get recognition,” he said during an interview with Benjamin Sackey on GhanaWeb TV.
Boumekpo disclosed that his quest to get approval for a federation was complicated, as he had to go through several processes, including forming a constitution and development plan.
The Esports Federation President stated that although he began the process in 2017, it wasn’t until 2024 that the National Sports Authority (NSA) approved their request to become a federation.
“So since 2017, we started chasing the government and started the process little by little for approval until January 29, 2024, when we finally got the approval from the NSA, and we launched the federation on April 5, 2025,” he said.
Esports is gradually gaining attention in Ghana as there is a national team that competes in international tournaments.
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Meanwhile, watch the latest episode of Sports Check on Esports below
