Refugee Football Scouting Tournament Unlocks New Talent Pipeline for Ghana’s Football Economy

Seventeen young refugee footballers have been selected for structured training and potential careers in Ghana’s Division One and Premier League, following the maiden Refugee Football Scouting Tournament at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.

Organised by the Amahoro Coalition and Samaritan Group, the event went beyond sport to underscore how football can drive social impact and economic inclusion. With Africa hosting nearly a third of the world’s refugees, organisers said building such pathways is essential to transform displaced youth from aid recipients into economic contributors.

The tournament attracted stakeholders from across the football value chain including clubs, scouts, and former professionals positioning it as a talent pipeline for Ghana’s multi-million-dollar football economy. By creating entry points for refugee youth into professional leagues, the initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana’s player development ecosystem and, in the long term, expand the country’s export of football talent to international markets.

Football in Ghana already plays a significant economic role, supporting clubs, broadcasters, betting companies, apparel makers, and informal businesses. Industry leaders argue that structured scouting for vulnerable groups like refugees can boost this ecosystem, creating new revenue streams while tackling social exclusion.

“The idea of this partnership is to give these young people one opportunity to take them off the streets, because sport plays a critical role in channeling their energy positively,” said Nana Yaw Amponsah, Chief Executive of Samaritan Group.

The 17 selected players will now enter structured mentorship and training programmes, with scouts linking them to Division One and Premier League clubs, and eventually international leagues. This professional grooming opens prospects not only for the players’ livelihoods but also for Ghana’s football economy through transfer fees, endorsements, and community investments.

Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board, Tetteh Padi, stressed that the collaboration reflects a development model where sport generates wider economic benefits. “Giving these young talents a documented opportunity here in Ghana and potentially abroad can contribute not only to their livelihoods but also to the broader development of our communities,” he said.

For the private sector, the initiative signals a growing recognition of sport as a vehicle for social impact investment. The Amahoro Coalition, which convenes African private sector leaders for social impact, framed the project as part of a wider push to leverage football’s popularity for both inclusion and economic opportunity.

“Refugees just like other young African men and women aspire like everybody else. In places like Ghana, hospitality is a core value. It is our duty as Africans to ensure that all young people have opportunities as they grow,” said Isaac Fokuo Jr, Curator of Amahoro Coalition.

With sponsorship support from Sports King and Challenges Ghana, the event also demonstrated how corporate partnerships can transform social initiatives into sustainable business models.

As Ghanaian football continues to integrate into the global sports economy, industry observers say such initiatives not only strengthen talent pipelines but also enhance Ghana’s positioning as a hub for both social innovation and football excellence.

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