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The fourth Ghana Water Polo League got underway with a big splash last Saturday at the University of Ghana Swimming Pool, Legon.
Seven teams, excluding the injury-hit Accra Arts Centre B, took to the water for six action-packed matches. The tournament also featured Ghana’s youth team, showcasing remarkable growth after their South African outing last year.
Prince Kofi Asante Sefah Boakye, the tournament organiser and President of the US-based Black Star Polo, expressed pride in the progress of the league. His ultimate goal remains to lead Ghana to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, a dream gaining momentum with each passing year.
“The goal today is to assess where we are on our journey to develop a national team,” Prince Asante told the Graphic Sports. “With about 80 athletes from across Ghana, the level of competition and enthusiasm from players and spectators is inspiring. This is the foundation to make Ghana a powerhouse in water polo.”
Reflecting on the growth of the league, he added: “It’s been four years, and though nothing great happened overnight, we’re building a strong foundation. If not 2028, then 2032 or even 2036, but Ghana will make its mark in global water polo.”
Defending champions Awutu SHS A reaffirmed their dominance with a commanding 4-2 victory over Lake Bosomtwe. The three-time champions served notice of their intent to retain their crown, building on their flawless record in the competition’s history.
Lake Bosomtwe, however, began the day strongly with an entertaining 5-3 win over Awutu SHS B. But the spotlight shifted to Accra Arts Centre A, who stole the show with back-to-back wins: a 4-2 triumph over KNUST and a 5-2 rout of Awutu SHS B. They sit atop the standings with six points after the first matchday.
The standout moment of the day came from the Youth team, an amalgamation of top teenage talents. Led by the prolific Elisha “Redoo” Eshun, who scored five goals, they decimated KNUST 13-3.
Their performance underscored their readiness to take on Ghana’s senior teams and challenge for international honours.
In the women’s category, Awutu SHS and Lake Bosomtwe played out an enthralling 6-6 draw, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
The day concluded with a riveting All-Star game, where the White All-Stars narrowly edged the Black All-Stars 6-5. Prince Asante himself got on the scoresheet, netting a brace to cap off the festivities.
The presence of World Water Polo referee, Tony Karaman, added a touch of international expertise. Karaman, who conducted clinics in Accra and the Central Region ahead of the tournament, praised the enthusiasm and potential he witnessed in Ghana.
“It’s been fantastic in Ghana—the hospitality, the passion for learning, and the commitment to water polo have been incredible,” Karaman said.
“Every clinic was full of eager participants, and their questions showed how invested they are in the sport. I’m confident Ghana has a bright future in water polo.”
