By Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Hockey Federation has cited lack of financial support from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the National Sports Authority (NSA) as the reason for withdrawing the national men’s U21 team from the Africa U21 Hockey Cup tournament. According to Ghana Hockey Federation Vice President Elizabeth King, the federation had submitted a proposal to the sports ministry and the NSA requesting funding to support the team in the continental competition.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation informed the federation on April 4, 2025, that they were unable to honor their request, leaving the federation with no choice but to withdraw from the tournament. Despite efforts to secure support from other sources, the federation was unable to raise the necessary funds. The 2026 Africa U21 Hockey Cup tournament was scheduled to take place from April 18 to 25, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia.
“We were still hopeful that the Ministry would step in, but on April 4th, they officially informed us that they couldn’t support the team. With no other option, we had to write to the African organizers and withdraw from the tournament which came as a shock to the continent”; Elizabeth King affirmed
This incident highlights the challenges faced by lesser-known sports in Ghana, which often struggle to secure funding and support. Elizabeth King expressed disappointment at the lack of support, stating that some individuals had even initiated non-residential campaigns and trained at their own expense, anticipating ministry support. The federation’s withdrawal from the tournament has sparked concerns about the neglect of sports beyond football.
The Ghana Hockey Federation’s withdrawal from the tournament is a significant setback for the sport in the country. The federation had been preparing the team for the competition, and the withdrawal will likely impact the team’s morale and development. The incident also raises questions about the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and NSA’s priorities and allocation of resources to various sports disciplines.
