By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, Nov. 11, GNA- Mr Dzidodo Ruben Adjahoe, a Beach sports pioneer believes that beach sports tourism can become a significant driver of economic growth for Keta, a coastal town in the Volta Region.
He said the ancient coastal town, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Keta Lagoon, holding layers of history, from fishing traditions and trade routes to the scars of slavery and coastal erosion had one extraordinary resource, a stretch of golden, picturesque beachfront which remained untouched and shining.
Speaking to Ghana News Agency in an interview, the Sunset Sports Chief Executive Officer emphasised the potential of beach sports tourism to transform Keta’s economy describing it as “Keta’s untapped economic goldmine.”
“Keta, popularly known as ‘The Sand City,’ has evolved over time while maintaining its strong cultural identity, traditional values, and distinct local cuisine. Today, the town stands as a recognised destination for beach soccer in both Ghana and West Africa.
However, beyond the cultural heritage and scenic coastline lies something even more promising: Beach sports tourism – a sustainable pathway to economic growth.”
Mr Adjahoe described Keta as a town built for sports which had long been a sports-centred community in terms of school athletics to national representation, producing athletes who earned recognition across Ghana.
He said, “In the era of beach soccer, Keta has contributed nearly 75 percent of Ghana’s national beach soccer players, with club sides from Keta dominating national and international competitions,” noting the town was expanding beyond beach soccer to develop a unique multi-sport beach identity, supported by community passion and natural advantage.
The Sports Development Officer for the Volta Region at the National Sports Authority identified beach volleyball (Olympic Sport), footvolley events, traditional wrestling, water & regatta sports, and beach marathon as the key emerging beach sports with big potential for Keta.
He argued that Keta was well suited for these sports, citing the youth demographic; presence of lagoon and ocean front, naturally equipping the area for canoe racing, kayaking, and other water events, and the long stretch, offering long-distance beach running, possible of attracting local and international runners, and becoming an annual signature event.
“Keta has the talent, the coastline, and the cultural support – the perfect conditions to grow a new sports economy and recreation,” Mr Adjahoe stressed while noting that developing beach sports tourism had economic and social impacts for the area.
“We can talk about job creation (coaches, event staff, vendors, tour guides, media, hospitality), youth engagement and empowerment, hospitality growth (hotels, guest houses, restaurants), sports brand partnerships and sponsorships, and local and international visitor traffic.”
“Keta already has top-tier beach resorts including Emancipation Beach, Eli Beach Resort, Aborigines Beach Resort and Reddington Beach Resorts. These facilities provide immediate hosting capacity for tournaments, leagues, training camps, and recreational tourism,” Mr Adjahoe added.
He called for a long-term vision which would include the development of a world-class beach sports arena, a dedicated facility on the shoreline with multi-sport sand courts, seating stands for spectators, athlete hostels, exhibition and vendor spaces and tourism reception areas.
“Keta has no major industrial base, but it has a coastline that the world would pay to experience. With intentional planning, structured programming, and investment, beach sports tourism can become Keta’s new economic engine – transforming the town into a thriving hub of sport, culture, recreation, and coastal tourism.
Keta is not waiting for opportunity – Keta is building it on the sand,” he stated.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei