Prominent Ghanaian stars are embarking on a passionate campaign to promote beach football in the country.

The West African country's first beach football championship was held in Accra on Saturday with support from former France captain Marcel Desailly, who was born in Ghana.

Former Leeds United Striker Anthony Yeboah, ex-Black Stars captain Anthony Baffoe and the legendary Mohamed ?Polo? Ahmed were in attendance in the maiden competition.

But it was striker Nii Odartey Lamptey, midfielder Mohamed Gargo and former Black Stars forward Augustine Arhinful, who stole the show.

"We have been waiting for this chance to organise and play beach football for a long time and now it is happening," Gargo told BBC Sport.

"I am going to do all I can to ensure it becomes popular.

"With the number of people following this first event, I am optimistic it will generate more enthusiasm in the near future and I would love to be part of it as a player and in any capacity."

Gargo is in Ghana and currently without a club but the former player of Italian side Udinese is expecting a move overseas soon.

Lamptey, who played in Belgium, Holland and England with Aston Villa, said that he was inspired by his South American links.

"I used to watch the Brazilians play beach football and when I was in Argentina at Boca Juniors we played volleyball on the beach," Lamptey said.

"Wherever I am I also love running on the beach for training."

Lamptey has confirmed that he will join South African side Jomo Cosmos next season.