"Beach Soccer to boost Ghana's tourism"

Excitement is heightening in anticipation of the climax to the 2014 Hogbetsotso festival in Keta, Volta region of Ghana.

The festival will however, have a major sports feature this year, as the Ghana Beach Soccer Association is set to outdoor the Hogbetsotso Beach Soccer Classic.

With a record surge in tourism over the past few years, the CEO of the Aborigines Beach Resorts, Mr. Mitch Woollams Awoonor believes beach soccer can marry festivals to make it more attractive especially along the coastal belt.

“I have observed what pertains in other countries like Costa Rica, Portugal, Brazil and some parts of the Americas with beach soccer. In the same way, the sport can boost tourism of given the needed push and support here in Ghana. By developing and promoting beach soccer, we automatically develop the coastal areas of our country”.

However, the President of GBSA Yaw Ampofo Ankrah also reiterated that beach soccer is not just a sports but a culture with people at the heart of it.

“It is no secret that beach leisure, entertainment and culture is what brings out the passion in beach soccer. Apart from producing great athletes, it could be the catalyst that attracts a higher volume of tourists in Ghana and certainly creates jobs for the unemployed youth”.

Ampofo-Ankrah emphasized that additionally, the national beach soccer team known as the Black Sharks could promote Ghana tourism beyond boundaries.

Other distinguished guests expected to grace the festival include MCE of Keta Hon. Sylvester Tornyeavah, MP of Anlo, Hon Clement Humado, MP of Keta, Hon. Richard Quashigah, and President of the Volta Foundation, Dumega Raymond Okudzeto among others.

Week 15 will involve:
East Legon vs Havedzi
Layoca vs Teshie United
Golden Eagles vs Winneba Giants
Wuo Gbee vs Dansoman
African Angels vs Nungua
Sunset Sports vs Gulf Power


The 2014 Ghana Beach Soccer League is expected to come to a close on Saturday 29th November at the La Beach Soccer Arena in Accra.