In Accra on 5th April, 2024, the Ghana eSports Federation was officially inaugurated following the endorsement and recognition by the National Sports Authority as the authoritative body governing eSports in the nation.
The inauguration ceremony, hosted at the Madagastar eSports Arena within the West Hills Mall, welcomed esteemed figures such as Ben Nunoo Mensah, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), along with representatives from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS).
Expressing his elation, Igor Boumekpo, the President of the Federation, shared his profound satisfaction in achieving this long-envisioned milestone.
“For me, this moment is akin to a dream realized, one that has been nurtured since 2003. I’ve faced skepticism and even personal losses due to misconceptions about eSports. But today, we stand firm to include every facet of Ghana’s eSports landscape – organizations, teams, developers, and players. Our aim is comprehensive inclusion, vital for national data accuracy, including the mapping of gaming centers across the country.”
Highlighting the crucial role of women in eSports, Boumekpo emphasized their integral involvement in every aspect of the sport.
“Without the participation of women, our efforts would be incomplete. The Federation is committed to a robust plan for their integration. Our Vice President’s role is pivotal in ensuring their active engagement in all our initiatives. Women will be at the forefront, shaping the future of eSports alongside us.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nunoo Mensah, President of the GOC, underscored the immense potential of eSports as the future of sports and pledged unwavering support from the Olympic Committee.
“eSports represents the future trajectory of sports globally. Embracing it wholeheartedly, with structured support and facilities, is imperative for Ghana’s sporting landscape. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Federation and assure them of the Ghana Olympic Committee’s steadfast support throughout this journey.”
The approval and recognition of the Ghana eSports Federation by the National Sports Authority culminate from discussions held earlier between GeSF President Igor Boumekpo and the NSA in February, outlining the framework for its autonomous status as the sole governing body responsible for overseeing all eSports activities in the country.
This milestone marks a significant stride for the eSports community in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Over the years, GeSF has orchestrated various tournaments and events, including collaborations like the Warm Up ESports Festival with 3Sports and the annual Orange eSports events since 2018. Notably, GeSF recently hosted the NFL Fan Zone event in Accra, endorsed by the presence of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The formal approval and acknowledgment of the Ghana eSports Federation signify a monumental advancement for gaming events in Ghana and Africa, instilling optimism for the growth and enhancement of Ghana’s gaming ecosystem.
After the launch, patrons were engaged in various esports games and the winners walked home with plaques to show for their best efforts.
