CEO of LSM Calls for Public Investment to Unlock Golf’s Untapped Economic Potential in Ghana.

Ghana’s golf industry could unlock significant employment and export opportunities if given broader investment and public backing, says Abdul-Aziz Amankwa, CEO of Legend Sports Management (LSM) and official licensee of the International Pairs in Ghana.

In an interview with The High Street Journal at the national playoff of the International Pairs Golf Tournament at Achimota Golf Club Accra, Amankwa underscored the untapped economic potential of a sport still viewed locally as the preserve of a wealthy few.

“Sports is vital for any economy, look at how the English Premier League contributes billions to the UK,” Amankwa said. “Golf can deliver the same impact here if we break away from the mindset that it’s only for the elite.”

Local Impact, Limited Investment

Ghana’s golf ecosystem, from caddies and course maintenance crews to club restaurants and pro shops, generates direct and indirect jobs that often go unnoticed, Amankwa said. He noted that unlike football, which enjoys dedicated government funding, golf relies almost entirely on private capital.

“There’s been virtually no state allocation for golf development,” Amankwa said. “At Legend Sports Management, we finance tournaments, raise sponsorships and grow the sport ourselves.”

Driving Youth Participation

Since acquiring the International Pairs franchise three years ago, LSM has expanded local participation from just 10 pairs in its first year to 52 pairs this season. Golfers from five clubs nationwide are vying for the chance to represent Ghana at the world finals in Sun City, South Africa. Part of LSM’s strategy is to dismantle golf’s elitist image by developing a robust youth pipeline. Working with the Ghana Golf Association’s junior programme, LSM under the leadership of Mr. Amankwa has helped boost youth involvement in a sport once dominated by older players.

“Young people are starting to pick up clubs, that’s the future,” Amankwa said. “The sport needs to feel open to everyone.”

New Bet on Apparel Exports

Beyond local tournaments, LSM is also expanding into golf apparel manufacturing to create new revenue streams and tap export markets. LSM recently launched and upgraded its clothing line after extensive field tests to tailor fabrics to West Africa’s climate. Early interest is already emerging from regional markets such as Zimbabwe according to Amankwa.

“We’re not just making shirts for Ghana, we’re competing with global brands,” Amankwa said. “The goal is to build a golf brand strong enough to stand internationally.”

A Growing Community

Amankwa says the increasing popularity of the International Pairs format in Ghana is proof that appetite exists when the sport is marketed well. In three years, the number of competing pairs has grown fivefold, with players travelling nationwide for qualifiers and finals.

“People used to see golf as inaccessible, today, you’ll find young professionals, juniors, even whole families on the course,” he said. “We’re seeing golfers plan their weekends around our events.”

While Ghana’s golf sector still trails football and basketball in scale, Amankwa argues its economic impact deserves more policy attention, from tourism and apparel to local jobs and youth training. “Golf is more than recreation, it’s an economic opportunity waiting to be unlocked,” he said. “Private investment can only go so far. With the right public support, golf can help diversify Ghana’s sports economy and build a pipeline of jobs and exports.”

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