On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Amahoro Coalition, in collaboration with the Samaritan Group, organized the Refugee Football Scouting Tournament at the Borteman Sports Complex. The tournament aimed to provide a platform for young refugees in Ghana to showcase their football talents, with the potential to connect them with development pathways in professional football, both locally and internationally.
The event, supported by the Ghana Refugee Board and Challenges Ghana, brought together 120 players from refugee communities. After a competitive tournament, 17 outstanding players were selected to begin training with Division One and Two clubs in Accra.
These talented individuals will participate in a structured training and mentorship program, guided by experienced scouts and technical experts, with opportunities to advance to Ghanaian professional football and international leagues.
Tetteh Padi, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to provide livelihood opportunities for refugees.
“The Refugee Board supports any activity that enhances the well-being of refugees. We’re also very interested in anything that leads to livelihoods for refugees, and clearly this is one activity that could lead to livelihoods for talents that are spotted here, to go on and engage in very meaningful football.”
Gideon Fosu, Executive Committee Member of the Football Association, commended the organizers for their innovative approach.
“I think for me, this is one area personally I have never even figured out. But for the organizers to think about something like this, just to give a future to refugees wherever they find themselves, I think it’s an idea that God can only give you.”
Nana Yaw Amponsah, CEO of Samaritan Group, shared his personal connection to the refugee community and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young refugees.
“I am personally going to give two very talented ones opportunity in my club abroad. And to ensure that at least there is hope, because at the end of the day, if none is paid to give a next step, it’s going to discourage them.”
Isaac Fokuo, Founder and CEO of Amahoro Coalition, highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for young refugees.
“Our goal is to provide opportunities and a platform for these young boys and girls to have the opportunity to bring their talents together. All we do is that we bring private sector actors, people that we know, people that we get in touch with, people who are committed, and we bring them together to say, what can you do for these young people?”
The tournament was graced by notable personalities, including:
- Kwadwo Asamoah – Former Juventus Football Club & Inter Milan midfielder
- Emmanuel Agyeman Badu – Former Ghana Black Stars & Udinese Calcio midfielder
- Fatau Dauda – Former Orlando Pirates player & current Goalkeepers Coach, Ghana National Team
- Mas-Ud Didi Dramani – Head Coach, Hearts of Oak
- Abdul Gazale – Assistant Coach, Hearts of Oak
- Najahu Issah – Goalkeepers Coach, Hearts of Oak
- Nana Yaw Amponsah – President, CSF Spartanii-SPORTUL
- David Obeng Nyarko – CEO, Kingsports LLC
The event marked a significant step towards promoting football development and social inclusion among refugee communities in Ghana. With its innovative approach and commitment to providing opportunities for young refugees, the Refugee Football Scouting Tournament is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of these talented individuals.
