GHANAIANS AND THEIR LOVE FOR FOOTBALL.

Ask me for a group of people who are crazy about football and I would gladly mention Ghanaians. From all over the world, its noted that a lot of countries attest to the fact that Ghanaians love football. Traditionally, Ghana is considered the powerhouse of African Football. Whether it is local, national or European match Ghanaians would gladly watch. Football is the most popular sport in the country. The national governing body responsible is the Ghana Football Association. From history the game of football came into the Gold Coast somewhere towards the close of the nineteenth century.

The national team features in competitions like; Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup, African Cup of Nati0ons. The Black Stars and the Black Queens represent the nation internationally. There’s under seventeen women and men’s team as well as under twenty women and mens team. Domestically, there’s the Ghana Premier League and Ghana Women’s Football league. This one is made up of about sixteen (16) teams. These include; Aduana Stars, Wa All Stars, Kumasi Ashanti Kotoko, Accra Hearts of Oak, Liberty Professional, Sekondi Hasacaas, Great Olympics, Medeama, Bechem United, Ashanti Gold, Bolga All Stars, Berekum Chelsea, Ebusua Dwarfs, Elmina Sharks, Inter Allies and Tema Youth.

Currently there are a couple of stadiums; Baba Yara Stadium, Accra Sports, Tamale Stadium, Essipong Stadium, Len Clay Stadium, Robert Mensah Stadium, Gyandu Stadium, Abrankese, Kaneshie Sports, Complex, Agyeman Badu Stadium and Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, Keep Fit, Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium and Ho Sports stadium. Among these, there are some that are up to international standards and used for international matches. The Ohene Gyan Stadium, Baba Yara Stadium are usually places where international matches are played. The Cape Coast Sports stadium is now also being used for such purposes.
During both internal and domestic football seasons, it will amaze you to see the football lovers dressed in their jerseys representing their various teams. They will either gather themselves at renowned pubs and bars, get some snack and have fun. Some people also prefer to watch at home in the company of their friends. A lot of these football lovers say that it’s much more fun and interesting to watch a match in the company of others. “the arguments and teasing is the best fun of it” one person said. Those who can afford even go to the stadia to watch the match. Local matches would cost some few Cedis to watch.

When I was little I always thought that football is only patronized by men but growing up, I realized that some women are crazy about football. Some of them follow their obsession so much that they end up being sports journalists. Football stands as one of the games that brings people together from all walks of life, it doesn’t only make the people shout and cheer their respective teams they support but brings people together. There are times people who may not agree on certain things end up acting like family because of their football team affiliation.
A lot of people go through a lot of stress associated with their jobs and family. At the end of the day, not everyone is able to deal with that stress. Anytime you get to be in Ghana, you should get some stress off your shoulders by getting to be in the company of a few cool friends and watch a match. Football is an awesome game and watching it in the company of “lover” would thrill you.