How to Get a Sports Scholarship in Accra, Ghana: Your Roadmap to Academic and Athletic Success

Introduction: Balancing the Ball and the Book

For young Ghanaian athletes, the dream of professional sports often collides with the practical need for education. The traditional narrative forces a choice: pursue football and risk an uncertain future, or focus on school and abandon athletic ambition. But a new paradigm is emerging in Accra—one that refuses to separate the ball from the book.

Across the capital, a growing ecosystem of academies, foundations, and government initiatives is creating pathways for student-athletes to pursue both dreams simultaneously. From world-class institutions like Right to Dream that have awarded over $7 million in scholarships to US universities, to Borussia Dortmund’s first African academy offering structured development with 20% of places reserved for underprivileged talent, the opportunities are expanding .

This ASJ guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for student-athletes and their families seeking sports scholarships in Accra. Whether your goal is a US university scholarship, a place in a European development academy, or access to Ghana’s newly established Sports Fund, this article covers the pathways, the players, and the practical steps to get there.

The Scholarship Landscape: What’s Available in Accra

1. Right to Dream Academy: The Gold Standard

Overview
Founded in 1999, Right to Dream (RtD) is West Africa’s most prestigious football and education academy . Operating on a full-scholarship model, RtD recruits the region’s most athletically talented boys and girls aged 10 to 18 and provides them with Cambridge-accredited education and world-class football training at no cost to their families .

Scholarship Statistics

• Total scholarships awarded: Over $7 million USD to date

• University placements: Graduates have earned scholarships to leading US institutions including Georgetown University, Bucknell University, and Williams College

• Secondary school placements: The Hotchkiss School, Cate School, Salisbury Academy (USA), and Millfield School (UK)

• Professional footballers produced: 19, including players who have signed for English Premier League clubs (Manchester City, Fulham) and top division sides in France, Spain, Norway, Sweden, and Russia

• National team representation: 13 RtD students and alumni have represented Ghana on the Senior Black Stars and national youth teams; Majeed Waris, the Black Stars’ centre forward, is an RtD graduate

What Makes RtD Unique
The guiding principle is that “every talented child has the right to dream of a brighter future and reach his or her full potential within a nurturing environment” . All students who gain admission through the rigorous recruitment process are awarded full scholarships—a model that removes financial barriers entirely.

Recent Developments: New Accra Campus
In early 2026, Right to Dream is breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art campus near Accra to replace its Old Akrade base . The project represents a significant investment from the Mansour Group (owners since 2021), with over €15 million already invested in Ghana to date .

Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien described the project as “a gift to the youth and future of Ghana, especially because academic education is such a big part of the program alongside the football .

How to Apply
Admission is through a rigorous recruitment process. RtD scouts talent across Ghana and West Africa. The academy also maintains an open recruitment pathway—interested families should monitor RtD’s official channels for trial announcements.

Temporary Relocation During Construction
During the construction of the new campus (targeted to open as early as 2027), RtD will operate from a temporary Accra-area site. All current scholarships will be honoured, and staff will remain employed throughout the transition .

2. Borussia Dortmund International Academy Ghana

Overview
In February 2026, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) launched its first African academy in Accra, established in partnership with Accra Shooting Stars FC . This marks a historic expansion of the German giant’s global youth development network into Ghana.

Programme Details

• Ages: Boys and girls aged 6 to 18

• Location: Based at Achimota School (non-residential)

• Training model: Combines Borussia Dortmund’s internationally recognised football curriculum with education, discipline, leadership, nutrition, and personal development

Scholarship Opportunities
A key feature of the BVB academy is its commitment to accessibility. 20 per cent of places are reserved as scholarships for talented but underprivileged children identified through community scouting and school outreach .

Fee Structure (for non-scholarship places)
Fees range between the cedi equivalent of 1,500 and 2,500 euros, depending on age category and programme .

Dual-Pathway System
The academy operates a dual-pathway system, accommodating both:

• Elite pathway: For players with professional aspirations

• Recreational programme: For those who want to develop skills while prioritising education

Leadership and Ambassadorship
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Black Stars legend Ibrahim Tanko serves as ambassador, describing the project as especially meaningful given his personal connection to the club .

How to Apply
Enrollment for the first intake continues nationwide. Interested families should contact BVB International Academy Ghana through official channels. The academy is open to all, with fees and scholarships structured to ensure broad access.

3. Kwame Bofrot Foundation US Scholarship Trials

Overview
The Kwame Bofrot Foundation, led by American footballer Levi Korum (who grew up in Ghana), runs football scouting programmes specifically designed to secure US academic scholarships for Ghanaian players .

The Model
The foundation collaborates with US universities, including:

• University of South Florida

• Justice University

• University of Jamestown

• Pointe University

Some universities scout through video footage and virtual evaluations, while others send coaching staff to Ghana for in-person trials. In 2025, a trial held earlier in the year resulted in one player receiving a full scholarship to a US university .

Dual Outcomes
As Korum explains: “We’re killing two birds with one stone. We’re giving the players the chance to pursue their dreams of professional football, but also a chance for them to receive education as well. So that if their football career doesn’t work out or if they get injured, they have the education to fall back .

Expert Assessment
Daniel de Oliveira Sechi, a former coach of the Venezuelan national team and current member of the Grand Canyon University technical staff, participated in the trials and praised the quality of Ghanaian players:

“The average level here is higher than what I’ve seen in the U.S. right now” .

Future Plans
The foundation aims to help eight to twelve players each year access similar opportunities, with plans to expand the trials and partner with more US institutions .

How to Apply
Monitor the Kwame Bofrot Foundation’s announcements for trial dates. Trials are typically held at the Borstal Institute astroturf in Accra.

4. Academy 11 Ghana: University Pathways Through NYU Partnership

Overview
Academy 11 Ghana is a transformative program founded in 2019 by Lee Kellett that helps student-athletes aged 7 to 19 build pathways to higher education and stable careers . While soccer remains central, “the ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty” .

NYU Accra Partnership
Academy 11 has partnered with NYU Accra, creating unique opportunities for its student-athletes to attend film screenings, guest lectures, and public programs on the NYU campus. This exposure helps student-athletes envision themselves in academic environments they might otherwise never experience .

Success Stories
Some Academy 11 students have already secured scholarships to universities in Ghana and abroad—one student now studies in Lake Placid, New York, on a full soccer scholarship .

How to Apply
Interested families can contact Academy 11 Ghana directly through their official channels.

5. Unicaf Partnership with GARFA

Overview
Unicaf, a leading online higher education provider in Africa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater Accra Regional Football Association (GARFA) in May 2024 .

Benefits
Under this partnership, GARFA members and their families can apply for Unicaf scholarships for online degree programmes from Bachelor’s to Doctorate levels . Programmes are offered in collaboration with:

• University of East London

• Liverpool John Moores University

• University of Suffolk (UK)

• Unicaf University (Africa)

How to Apply
GARFA members should contact Unicaf directly or inquire through GARFA’s executive committee.

6. Tusk Foundation & Git-Go Technology Scholarship

Overview
In April 2025, the Tusk Foundation partnered with Git-Go Technology (G-Tech), a US-based technology company, to launch a GH₵5.25 million scholarship programme focused on systems engineering .

Details

• Number of beneficiaries: 50 student-athletes selected by the Tusk Foundation

• Programme: Five-month systems engineering course

• Scholarship value: $7,000 each (covering tuition, training, and mentorship)

• Additional benefit: Each beneficiary receives a laptop for their studies

The Philosophy
As Lester Achiah, CEO of the Tusk Foundation, explained: “It’s not just about basketball; it’s about using basketball and education to help these young people gain skills for life, support their families, and become successful” .

How to Apply
Selection is managed through the Tusk Foundation. Interested student-athletes should engage with Tusk Foundation programmes and monitor announcements for future cohorts.

7. Ghana Sports Fund: Government Support for Athletes

Overview
Established under the Sports Fund Act, 2024 (Act 1159), the Ghana Sports Fund represents a decisive shift in how sport is financed and governed within the national development agenda .

Governing Board
The 11-member board is chaired by Professor Karyoe Anin-Wright, with notable members including:

• Three-time world boxing champion and Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson

• Former Black Stars Management Committee member and investment banker Ernest Thompson

• Dr David Kofi Wuaku (Administrator)

Who Can Access the Fund
Per the law passed in December 2025, eligible beneficiaries include:

• National athletes

• Retired national athletes

• Federations and associations in good standing with the National Sports Authority

• Any other person approved by the Board

How to Apply

1. Submit a formal application to the Fund Administrator

2. Application must be made in the prescribed manner and form

3. The Administrator must approve or refuse the application within ten days, providing clear reasons for any refusal

Appeals Process
If dissatisfied with the Administrator’s decision:

1. Seek a review by the Board within 30 days

2. If still dissatisfied, escalate to the Minister, who must communicate a decision within 14 days

What the Fund Covers
The Fund is expected to manage incentives, insurance covers, and provide welfare packages for athletes. It aims to bridge the “gap between the central budget allocation and its need for investment” .

Comparison Table: Sports Scholarship Pathways in Accra

How to Prepare for Scholarship Trials

For Football Academies (Right to Dream, BVB, Kwame Bofrot)

Technical Preparation

• Join a reputable local club or academy to receive structured coaching

• Play regularly in competitive matches

• Develop competence in both feet

• Work on first touch and ball control

Physical Preparation

• Maintain age-appropriate fitness levels

• Focus on agility, speed, and endurance

• Ensure proper nutrition and rest

Academic Preparation (for Right to Dream and school-based scholarships)

• Maintain strong academic records

• Right to Dream requires Cambridge-accredited academic performance

• For US scholarships, English proficiency is essential

Documentation

• Birth certificate

• Academic transcripts (if applying to education-focused programmes)

• Medical clearance

• Parental/guardian consent

For the Ghana Sports Fund

Required Documentation

• Proof of national athlete status

• Federation or association membership (in good standing)

• Completed application form in prescribed format

Timeline Awareness

• The Administrator must respond within 10 days

• The Board review takes up to 30 days

• Ministerial appeal takes up to 14 days

General Tips for All Applicants

1. Start early – Many programmes have annual intake cycles

2. Attend trials – For programmes like BVB Academy, enrollment is open but requires assessment

3. Build a portfolio – Match footage, highlight reels, and reference letters strengthen applications

4. Stay persistent – If rejected, seek feedback and reapply

What to Watch For: Upcoming Opportunities

Right to Dream New Campus (Opening 2027)

The new Accra-area campus will serve nearly 100 student-athletes from Ghana and the wider region with upgraded classrooms, pitches, dormitories, and performance facilities . This expansion may increase intake capacity. Interested families should monitor RtD’s announcements.

Borussia Dortmund Academy Expansion

As the first BVB academy in Africa, this initiative is expected to grow. With scholarships already integrated into the model, future cohorts may see expanded access .

Ghana Sports Fund Implementation

With the Governing Board now inaugurated (January 2026), the operational framework for the Fund is being established. Athletes and federations should prepare applications as the system becomes fully active .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a full scholarship to a US university through sports from Accra?
Yes. The Kwame Bofrot Foundation has already secured full scholarships for Ghanaian players to US universities. Right to Dream has also placed numerous graduates in US colleges with scholarships totalling over $7 million .

2. Does Right to Dream charge fees?
No. Right to Dream operates on a full-scholarship model. All students who gain admission through the rigorous recruitment process are awarded full scholarships covering tuition, training, and accommodation .

3. How do I get scouted by Right to Dream?
RtD scouts talent across Ghana and West Africa. The academy also maintains an open recruitment pathway. Interested families should monitor RtD’s official channels for trial announcements and ensure their children are playing in competitive environments where scouts are present.

4. What is the cost of the Borussia Dortmund Academy in Accra?
Fees range between the cedi equivalent of 1,500 and 2,500 euros depending on age category and programme. However, 20 per cent of places are reserved as scholarships for talented but underprivileged children .

5. What is the Ghana Sports Fund and who can apply?
The Ghana Sports Fund, established under Act 1159, provides financial support for national athletes, retired athletes, and sports federations. Applications are made through the Fund Administrator, who must respond within 10 days .

6. Can girls apply for these scholarships?
Yes. Right to Dream has a girls’ programme (described as “a global first”) and is poised to produce many of Africa’s best women footballers . Borussia Dortmund’s academy is open to both boys and girls aged 6 to 18 .

7. What academic qualifications do I need for a US sports scholarship?
Requirements vary by university, but generally include:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS may be required)

• Strong academic transcript

• SAT/ACT scores (depending on the institution)

8. How can I access the Unicaf scholarship through GARFA?
GARFA members and their families can apply for Unicaf scholarships. Contact Unicaf directly or inquire through GARFA’s executive committee for application procedures .

9. What is the Tusk Foundation scholarship?
A GH₵5.25 million programme launched in April 2025 that sponsors 50 student-athletes to undertake a five-month systems engineering course valued at $7,000 each, including a laptop. Selection is through the Tusk Foundation .

10. When will the new Right to Dream campus open?
The new Accra-area campus is targeted to open as early as 2027. During construction, RtD will operate from a temporary Accra-area site, and all current scholarships will be honoured .

Conclusion: Your Path Starts Here

The opportunities for student-athletes in Accra have never been more abundant. From Right to Dream’s $7 million in university scholarships to Borussia Dortmund’s first African academy, from the Kwame Bofrot Foundation’s US placement trials to the government-backed Ghana Sports Fund, the infrastructure now exists for young Ghanaians to pursue both athletic and academic excellence without compromise.

The key is preparation, persistence, and knowing where to apply. Start early, maintain strong academics, develop your sport, and monitor application windows for the programmes that align with your goals.

As Michael Essien said of Right to Dream’s new campus: “As a kid I never had the opportunities Right to Dream is offering now. I had to find my own way, and it wasn’t easy. What Right to Dream is doing is a gift to the youth and future of Ghana” .

Your gift is waiting. Apply for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a full scholarship to a US university through sports from Accra?
Yes. The Kwame Bofrot Foundation has already secured full scholarships for Ghanaian players to US universities. Right to Dream has also placed numerous graduates in US colleges with scholarships totalling over $7 million .

2. Does Right to Dream charge fees?
No. Right to Dream operates on a full-scholarship model. All students who gain admission are awarded full scholarships .

3. How do I get scouted by Right to Dream?
RtD scouts talent across Ghana and West Africa. Monitor official channels for trial announcements .

4. What is the cost of the Borussia Dortmund Academy in Accra?
Fees range between the cedi equivalent of 1,500 and 2,500 euros. 20% of places are scholarships for underprivileged children .

5. What is the Ghana Sports Fund and who can apply?
A government fund providing support for national athletes, retired athletes, and sports federations. Applications go through the Fund Administrator .

6. Can girls apply for these scholarships?
Yes. Right to Dream has a girls’ programme. Borussia Dortmund’s academy is open to both boys and girls aged 6 to 18 .

7. What academic qualifications do I need for a US sports scholarship?
High school diploma, English proficiency, strong transcripts, and potentially SAT/ACT scores depending on the institution.

8. How can I access the Unicaf scholarship through GARFA?
GARFA members and their families can apply. Contact Unicaf directly or inquire through GARFA’s executive committee .

9. What is the Tusk Foundation scholarship?
A GH₵5.25 million programme sponsoring 50 student-athletes for a systems engineering course valued at $7,000 each, including a laptop .

10. When will the new Right to Dream campus open?
Targeted to open as early as 2027. During construction, RtD operates from a temporary Accra-area site

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on April 6, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

accrastreetjournal.com/