The Ghana Bowls Federation was launched on Thursday at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium in the presence of the World Bowls hierarchy including Brett O Riley World Bowls President, Sue Beatt Chairperson of Scottish Sports Association & Executive Board Member of World Bowls, James Owen World Para Bowls President and David Hamer Bowls South Africa President, a former military officer.

Introducing the sports, Brett O Riley said it started in Egypt and played 5,000 years ago. He noted that Bowls has reimbursements like muscle strengthening, cognitivre benefits, mental health benefits health benefits and social benefits.

He said it is a decision making sport and everyone, both male and female from six years to over sixty can play as well as people with disability. He expressed that there are events going on round the world which Ghana is invited to participate such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as well as the next 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia. He also promised to develop an Academy in Ghana where other international competitions can be held.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Ghana HE Dr. Abdullah Murad Sulaiman Mohammed Almandoos who was a special guest said Bowls can become an entertainment and platform for unity like football and make players popular so that they do not need visas to travel.

Mr. Bright Asempa of the Ghana Tourism Authority who represented his CEO noted that Bowls can enhance leisure and tourism, as the populace needed alternative activities to choose from. He affirmed his commitment to World and Ghana Bowls.

Col Richard Akoto of the Ghana Armed Forces Sports Directorate also pledged to participate and support the sport, while Mohammed Muniru Esq. the Secretary General of the Ghana Olympic Committee welcomed the new discipline and also promised to back.

The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah urged Ghanaians especially kids and the youth to take Bowls as one of the sports to play as it can take them to the international level. He was glad Ghana is leading the sport in West Africa as it can create employment and be played in schools and colleges. He urged corporate Ghana to support Bowls.

Hon Alfred Kotey Ashie MP for Odododiodoo and Mr. Archibald Darku Boateng of El- Sayus Company and some Asafoanyemei from the Ga Traditional Area took part in the demonstration of the sport.

Mr. Charles Amofa, the PRO of the NSA who is President of Ghana Bowls thanked the delegation for coming to demonstrate the sport.

The evergreen and vibrant Ghana Sports Supporters and a section of the Armed Forces were also in attendance to provide security, music and entertainment.

By Sammy Heywood Okine