That was one of the powerful messages from the official launch of the Ghana Bowls Federation (GBF) which World Bowls was delighted to play a leading role.

A pioneering step for the development of bowls in West Africa, Ghana is now positioned to participate in international competitions, including the 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2032 Olympic Games.

World Bowls president Brett O’Riley led a high-level delegation representing World Bowls, Africa Bowls, and International Bowls for the Disabled to Accra, Ghana, to support the official launch and promote the sport of bowls across West Africa.

The delegation was hosted by the National Sports Authority and the GBF, organised by Charles Amofah who works for the authority and is the President of GBF.

Key engagements included stakeholder partner meetings with the Director-General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to discuss strategic collaboration, who made the influential milestone speech during the launch. Similar discussions were held at the General Headquarters for Training of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Air Force Headquarters to encourage military participation in Bowls sport.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Hoaudjeto also led a discussion on sports tourism and the potential opportunity with bowls when the delegation paid a courtesy call on her. A meeting at the offices of the Ghana Olympic and Commonwealth Games Committee also focussed on opportunities for Ghana at Glasgow 2026, Paralympics and Multi-Sport Games played under the auspices of the IOC and its partners.  The delegation also interacted with local schools and met with pupils to discuss opportunities.

The formal inauguration of the Ghana Bowls Federation was staged at the Accra Sports Stadium on 26^th June, 2025.

Said O’Riley: “This was a great occasion attended by representatives of the stakeholder partners, Queen Mothers on behalf of the local tribes, the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Members of Parliament, Ghana high performance para-athletes, Ghana Bowls, and local media.

“Commonwealth Games Federation Interim President Dr. Donald Rukare from Uganda provided a recorded video message, at the request of World Bowls.

“Incoming IOC president Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe provided words of support as part of her reply to a congratulatory message I gave.”

As part of the launch, World Bowls provided commemorative t-shirts and plaques, bowls cloths, caps, a short mat, bowls mats and jacks, and bowls (thanks to World Bowls sponsor Henselite) and a Rookie Rollers kit for school children (thanks to Bowls Australia), and various adult bowls shirts donated by the President.

The GBF has pledged a commitment to inclusivity, emphasising bowls as a sport for all ages and abilities, with strong support from World Para Bowls and the International Bowls for the Disabled.

Several prominent Ghana para-athletes are keen to take up bowls, including a two-time Paralympian sprinter. The presence of IBD president Owen James was extremely important and useful in this respect. He said at the launch: “Bowls is not just a sport – it becomes a lifestyle.”

World Bowls board member Sue Beatt from Scotland was made an honorary Queen Mother and given a local title by the local Queen Mothers and was well received by women leaders in various meetings. Sue introduced FabLittleBag, a World Bowls partner, as an opportunity to stakeholders and this was well received.

OFFICIAL SPORT

Ghana Armed Forces have adopted bowls as an official sport. The attending Senior Military Officer Colonel told those attending the launch that he had studied bowls and found it was a sport that required decision making processes and teamwork, making it ideally suited for the Armed Forces given their focus.

The first Ghana Armed Forces Championship will be played in August in Accra, to be hosted at a sports arena within the Military Zone in Accra. After the Military Championship, other Bowls events are earmarked to take place in the historic Christianborg Castle lawn gardens, a venue which was scoped out during the visit. This has the potential to be a venue for future WBS and/or African regional events which are part of Ghana Bowls’ aspirations.

David Hamer, president of Bowls South Africa and World Bowls regional ambassador for Africa, is a former South African Army Officer and trainer which was warmly recognised by the Ghana Armed Forces staff. This will enhance his role in supporting the programme.

GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT AND COACHING

Plans were announced to introduce bowls in schools and communities, supported by the establishment of a Bowls Academy in Ghana.

Dr. Simon Botha from South Africa, a member of the World Bowls Coaching Advisory Group will work with the Ghana Bowls Federation.

Dr Abdulla Almandoos (UAE Ambassador to Ghana) has since expressed an interest in introducing bowls into UAE schools.

TOURISM AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Ghana Tourism Authority pledged support, citing bowls’ potential to boost leisure tourism and create jobs.

THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

A competition short mat is to be shipped to Ghana from the UK. This is from the stock of second-hand mats that the World Short Mat Bowls Council has put together for World Bowls to be able to use for their Development Programme.

Ghana will also join IBD and the Short Mat Bowls Council.

David Hamer as World Bowls Regional Ambassador will take responsibility for the Development Programme, with support from World Bowls and IBD.

MEDIA RELEASE: Ceris Hewlings, World Bowls media officer, ceris.hewlings@keypublishing.com