Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA)
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has declared its support for Esports, an online gaming competition in which amateur and professional gamers participate individually or as teams through organised leagues, often with monetary prizes on the line.
The first cited instance of an esports competition was in 1972, when players convened at Sandford University’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, for the intergalactic spacewar Olympics in which they competed for a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
In light of this, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced its unwavering support for the Ghana Esports Federation (GESF) as the nation’s top esports athletes prepare to compete in the World Phygital Community Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Phygital games combine physical and digital elements, blending real-world activities with digital or virtual components to create hybrid gaming experiences.
The term “phygital” (physical + digital) reflects the integration of tangible, physical interactions with technology-driven gameplay, often leveraging tools like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), sensors, or mobile devices.
The pledge was formally announced during a ceremony on July 16, 2025, where GESF led by President Igor Boumekpo, officially presented the national team to NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
The World Phygital Community Qualifiers, a precursor to the Games of the Future 2025 set for December in Dubai, will feature Ghanaian athletes competing in phygital football and phygital basketball.
These innovative disciplines blend digital gaming with physical sports, showcasing a unique fusion of athleticism and esports expertise.
The qualifiers mark a significant opportunity for Ghana to shine on the global stage, with the national team, including champions After6 FC from the recent Phygital Football Tournament, vying for a spot in the prestigious international event.
During the presentation, Boumekpo expressed gratitude for the NSA’s backing, emphasising the importance of collaboration in elevating Ghana’s esports ecosystem.
“We can’t do without the National Sports Authority’s support,” he stated, highlighting the federation’s commitment to fostering competitive gaming and nurturing young talent.
Director-General Ankrah offered words of encouragement to the athletes, affirming the NSA’s dedication to supporting the growth of esports as a legitimate and impactful sport in Ghana.
The NSA’s pledge includes logistical and strategic support to ensure the team is well-prepared for the international competition.
The GESF, recognised by the NSA in March 2024 as the sole governing body for esports in Ghana, has been making strides in promoting phygital sports.
The federation’s successful organisation of the maiden Phygital Football Tournament in January 2025, which saw After6 FC qualify for the world stage, further highlights Ghana’s growing influence in global esports.
As Ghana prepares for the qualifiers, the NSA’s support signals a broader commitment to integrating esports into the national sports framework.
With a population of over 13 million gamers, Ghana is positioning itself as a potential hub for esports in West Africa, aligning with the GESF’s mission to drive innovation and engagement in the sector.
The upcoming qualifiers in Abu Dhabi represent a pivotal moment for Ghanaian esports, as the nation aims to make its mark in the dynamic world of phygital sports.
ALL/VPO
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