GeSF, Charting a Course for Ghanaian eSports: Ambitious Plans and Promising Partnerships
In a historic moment for Ghanaian eSports, luminaries including Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), along with officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), gathered at the Madagascar eSports Arena of the West Hills Mall. This event marked a significant milestone for the burgeoning eSports scene in Ghana, showcasing the growing recognition and support for this dynamic field.
Igor Boumekpo, President of the Federation(GeSF), expressed joy in achieving the long-awaited objective. “It’s like a dream, I dreamt about this since 2003. People I love left because they call what I do ‘cartoons’. Recently in 2019, I lost someone I loved so much because of this. She saw it as just a ‘game’.”
In a resolute declaration, Boumekpo outlined ambitious plans to register every eSports organization, team, association, developer, and player in Ghana by 2026. He emphasized the necessity of accurate data for the nation, including comprehensive coverage of game centers.
Moreover, Boumekpo underscored his commitment to providing increased opportunities for women in eSports. “There’s nothing you will do in this world if you don’t get the women involved. We need them and the Federation has a great plan for them,” he affirmed.
Supporting this vision, President Nunoo Mensah echoed the sentiment that eSports holds immense potential in Ghana. “eSports is the future of sports and the earlier those of us in Ghana embrace it and embrace it well and put in structures and facilities to make sure we get the best out of it, the better,” he stated.
The enthusiasm for eSports in Ghana has been steadily gaining momentum. In 2023, the Ghana eSports Federation (GeSF) partnered with 3Sports to organize the highly successful WarmUp Plus FIFA Festival, attracting the nation’s top eSports players.
The collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, coupled with growing interest and support, signal a promising future for eSports in Ghana. As the Federation continues to champion inclusivity and innovation, the stage is set for Ghanaian eSports to flourish on both national and global platforms.
You can watch the coverage of the event on their youtube:
- How might the support from prominent officials like Ben Nunoo Mensah impact the future trajectory of eSports in Ghana?
- What challenges might Igor Boumekpo and the Ghana eSports Federation(GeSF) face in their efforts to register every eSports organization and player in the country?
- How significant is the commitment to providing increased opportunities for women in eSports, and what potential benefits might it bring to the sport in Ghana?
