A monthly update of the incredible work currently happening by one of our international partners, Ghana Rugby League, powered by HANetf.
May was a big month for Ghana RL, who presented its ambitious five-year strategic plan to grow the sport of rugby league across Accra and beyond.
The ‘Igniting the Game’ Strategy focuses on five key pillars that will act as the catalyst for growth throughout Ghana up to 2030: Participation, Performance, Workforce and People, Competition, and Engagement.
These pillars are designed to support their current stakeholders and communities while also attracting new audiences, aligning new partners, and welcoming anyone who wishes to join their mission of ensuring rugby league thrives throughout the country.
More details, including the visual document of the plan can be found on the official Rugby League Ghana website here.
The key statistics from May:
- 39 training & playing sessions
- 846 Total Male attendance
- 336 Total Female attendance
- 9 Schools
- 3 Communities
- 3 Regions
Ministry of Sports Stakeholder Engagement
The Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) proudly participated in the maiden stakeholder engagement hosted by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation on May 5, 2025, in Accra. Chaired by Hon. Kofi Adams, the session convened national federations to discuss the future of sports in Ghana. Key topics included:
- Infrastructure development
- Operationalisation of the Sports Fund
- Implementation of quarterly reviews
RLFG reaffirmed its commitment to the national sports agenda and its role in shaping Ghana’s sporting future.
NSA Director-General Commends Rugby League Federation Ghana
On May 13, 2025, RLFG, led by President Madam Juliana Storey, held a strategic meeting with NSA Director-General Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah in Accra.
The RLFG formally presented its leadership, highlighted milestones in grassroots growth, youth engagement, and clarified Rugby League’s identity as distinct from Rugby Union.
Mr. Ankrah praised the Federation’s professionalism, transparency, and operational excellence, citing RLFG as a benchmark for emerging sports in Ghana.
Also present were RLFG’s Mr. Jafaru Awudu Mustapha (GM), Mr. Marshall Nortey (Technical Director), Ms. Hilaria Wuaku (Comms Lead), and NSA officials Mr. James Odoi Wilson and Mr. Hubert Leo Mensah. Both parties pledged deeper collaboration to elevate Rugby League nationwide.
RLFG Launches ‘Igniting the Game’ Strategy
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the University of Ghana Rugby League Stadium, RLFG unveiled its new five-year strategic plan, ‘Igniting the Game’.
The launch coincided with the season opener and marks a bold step forward for rugby league in Ghana. The strategy focuses on five key pillars: Participation, Performance, Workforce & People, Competition, and Engagement.
These pillars aim to grow the sport nationally, attract new partners, and strengthen current structures. RLFG President, Mrs. Juliana Storey, emphasised the importance of community-driven growth and sustainable development.
The strategy sets ambitious targets, including tripling participation and becoming Africa’s top rugby league nation.It also honours past contributors while inspiring a new generation of players, coaches, and fans.
Visit from RLFG’s First Physiotherapist – Dr. Philans Cosmos Ankrah
RLFG was honoured to welcome Dr. Philans Cosmos Ankrah, the Federation’s first physiotherapist and current CEO of Philanx Health & Rehab (Cayman Islands), during his visit to Ghana.
Dr. Ankrah:
- Conducted a special training session for the RLFG physiotherapy team Donated essential medical supplies
- Provided seed funding to establish the RLFG Medical Fund, dedicated to sustaining the health needs of players
- His support reaffirms the critical role of player welfare in RLFG’s long-term development strategy.
Rugby League Debuts at British International School
On May 16, 2025, RLFG introduced rugby league to British International School (BIS) in a milestone initiative for youth and school-based development.
The event included:
- A classroom session featuring educational videos on tag, touch, and full-contact formats
- An outdoor session focusing on ball-handling and movement drills
Ashanti Region Inter-Class Competition – Akrofrom DA JHS
RLFG celebrated another milestone as Akrofrom DA JHS hosted an inter-class rugby league competition in the Ashanti Region.
Winners:
- Girls Division – JHS One Girls
- Boys Division – JHS Two Boys
This event showcased the growth of youth rugby league and the passion of emerging talent. With enthusiastic coaching and student engagement, the future of rugby league in Ashanti looks bright.
Free Health Screening Day for Players
On May 4th, the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium became a vibrant arena of wellness, strategy, and fellowship as the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG), in collaboration with Life Healthcare Center Ghana, hosted a Free Health Screening Day for players.
Supported by student volunteers from the University of Ghana’s Physiotherapy Department, players benefited from health screenings and physiotherapy sessions aimed at mobility and injury prevention.
The event also included games and music, fostering unity and camaraderie among participants. A major highlight was the launch of RLFG’s 5-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), emphasizing player welfare, grassroots development, and sustainability.
2025 Men’s Rugby League 13s Championship Kicks Off
The much-anticipated 6th edition of the Men’s Rugby League 13s Championship kicks off on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the UG Rugby League Stadium.
The will six clubs playing two rounds of games to get the winner for the 2025 Rugby League Edition With strength, speed, and skill on full display, this year’s championship promises to set a new standard for domestic rugby league competition.
Matches will be broadcast live on the RLFG Youtube page.
