Roger Crawford Highlights ITF Junior Tour’s Role in Ghana Tennis Development

Tennis Foundation Ghana President and Tournament Director Roger Crawford says the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors events in Accra are helping young players gain international competition experience, ranking points and a clearer pathway to higher levels of tennis.

Speaking in an interview with ghanatennis.org, Crawford discussed the tournament, the opportunities it provides for young players, the growth of junior tennis in Ghana and the broader vision behind the Tennis Foundation Ghana programme.

Crawford, who is overseeing the tournament in his capacity as Tournament Director, said the event is designed not only to provide competitive opportunities but also to expose young players to the international tennis environment.

He explained that hosting ITF junior tournaments in Ghana gives players the opportunity to earn valuable ranking points while competing on home soil, reducing some of the financial and logistical challenges associated with travelling abroad for international competition.

The TFG President also spoke about the importance of creating a sustainable pathway for young Ghanaian players, stressing the need for continued investment, quality competitions and opportunities for juniors to develop their careers.

According to Crawford, the growing participation of players from Ghana and other countries demonstrates the importance of Accra as a destination for international junior tennis.

The ongoing tournament has brought together promising players from Ghana, Africa and beyond, with competition across the boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles events.

Crawford also discussed the role of the Tennis Foundation Ghana in supporting the development of the sport and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.

He said the organisation remains committed to using international-level competitions to inspire young athletes and strengthen Ghana’s position on the global tennis map.

The tournament is being staged at the National Tennis Centre at the Accra Sports Stadium and forms part of TFG’s wider programme of ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors events.

For Crawford, the objective goes beyond the results on court.

The long-term ambition is to give young players the competitive experience, exposure and ranking opportunities required to progress through the tennis pathway and potentially represent Ghana at the highest level.

As the Accra tournament continues, Crawford believes the experience gained by the players, coaches and organisers will contribute to the continued development of tennis in Ghana.

The Tennis Foundation Ghana, working with the Ghana Tennis Federation and the international tennis community, is expected to continue its efforts to provide more opportunities for young players through international junior competitions.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on September 27, 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.

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