The Director General of the National Sports authority (NSA), Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has officially launched the 2026 One Humanity International Beach Soccer Cup Ghana in Accra.

The event drew attendees from the United Nations, sports bodies, media and other institutions to the Accra Sports Stadium for the unveiling of details about the event.

It was announced during the event that the competition was earmarked to take place in May 2026, with Nigeria confirmed as the first participating country, while Germany and England were preparing to join the four nation tournament.

During his opening remarks, the Director General, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, described the Accra Sports Stadium as a historic venue that has hosted major continental and global sporting events, including Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cup qualifiers.

He explained that the beach soccer cup was not only a tournament but a celebration and festival that would bring together people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds to promote unity through sport.

Mr Ankrah recounted the humble beginnings of beach soccer in Ghana, noting that the sport started without basic equipment and lacked international recognition, but has grown over the years to gain approval from both CAF and FIFA.

He stressed that sports in Ghana had gone beyond entertainment, aligning with the President’s vision of using sports to promote tourism, culture and national development, adding that the upcoming tournament would help sell Ghana to the world.

He also highlighted the Black Sharks, Ghana’s national beach soccer team, noting that the team was christened at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2013 and has grown into a competitive side that continued to knock on the door of World Cup qualification.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations in Ghana, the UN Resident Coordinator and IOM Chief of Mission, Ms Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s role in hosting the One Humanity International Beach Soccer Cup.

She noted that sport remained one of the strongest tools for promoting peace, unity and understanding, as it transcended borders, cultures, religions and backgrounds while promoting values such as teamwork, respect and fair play.

Ms Ndiaye explained that the tournament aligned with the United Nations agenda of youth inclusion and social cohesion, adding that activities such as youth clinics and community engagement would help empower young people and provide positive role models.

She highlighted the role of sports in addressing migration challenges, including human trafficking and irregular migration, stating that her organisation used sport to create awareness, promote safe migration pathways and protect young people from exploitation.

She commended the organisers for translating global values into local action and assured them of continued collaboration with national institutions, civil society, the private sector and the media to ensure long term impact.

The Executive Director of Nasco Feeding Minds, Mr Banasco Nuhu Seidu, provided details on the background and purpose of the tournament, explaining that beach soccer originated in Brazil and received FIFA endorsement in 2005.

He stated that Nasco Feeding Minds, in partnership with Beach Soccer Worldwide, was leading the organisation of the tournament in Ghana to create opportunities for young talents and promote creativity and international exposure.

Mr Seidu explained that Ghana was deliberately selected as host due to its warmth, hospitality and reputation as a peaceful and welcoming country, which made it attractive to international teams and partners.

He disclosed that although several countries had shown interest, the tournament would be limited to four nations, with Ghana and Nigeria confirmed, while Germany and England were in advanced preparations to participate.

He called on the National Sports Authority, the Football Association, the Ministry of Sports and government institutions to provide full support to ensure the success of the tournament and lay the foundation for future international competitions in Ghana.

Chairman of the Beach Soccer League Committee, Mr Yaw Kusi Gyamfi Awere, stated that Ghana was well positioned to host the competition due to its strong beach soccer culture and suitable coastal venues.

He announced that the tournament would take place from May 8, to May 10, 2026, at the Laboma Beach Resort, with matches played under FIFA beach soccer regulations to promote fair play and high level competition.

Mr Awere confirmed Nigeria and Germany as participating countries, adding that another country would be officially announced at a later date.

He explained that beyond football, the tournament would include environmental and community activities such as youth engagement programmes, beach cleaning exercises and grassroots development initiatives.

He assured stakeholders of the commitment of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association to deliver a successful and well organised tournament that would enhance Ghana’s image and leave a lasting legacy for the sport.

Background

The One Humanity International Beach Soccer Cup is a United Nations endorsed tournament organised in partnership with Beach Soccer Worldwide and Nasco Feeding Minds to promote peace, unity and social inclusion through sport.

The competition is designed as a four nation event that brings together national teams from different regions to celebrate shared human values while encouraging youth development and environmental responsibility.

Ghana’s selection as host reflects its growing profile in beach soccer, its stable sporting environment and its long standing role in using sport as a tool for diplomacy, tourism promotion and sustainable development.

By: Jacob Aggrey