The election of Rafatu Inusah as President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) signals a fresh chapter for the sport. Succeeding Herbert Mensah—now President of Rugby Africa—Inusah brings extensive experience. Her appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead Ghana Rugby.
New Leadership
Rafatu Inusah is a former rugby player who captained the Ghana Rugby Women’s Team. Her journey in the sport began when she was introduced to rugby during a school visit by the ‘Get Into Rugby’ team, which she later led. Inusah transitioned from player to coach and administrator, holding key roles across Ghanaian, African, and women’s rugby.
Elected unopposed, Inusah was backed for her grassroots and women’s rugby vision. Her team, including VP Emmanuel Bamfi, aims to revitalise Ghana Rugby. The transparent process was praised by NSA’s acting chief Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Vision and Priorities
One of Inusah’s main goals is to promote and develop women’s rugby, particularly the 15-a-side format. Inspired by figures such as World Rugby’s Coralie van den Berg, Inusah is determined to grow inclusivity within the sport and build on the increase of female participation across the continent.
Promoting women’s rugby aligns Ghana with global sports development trends and opens new avenues for community involvement. By broadening the sport’s appeal and reach, rugby could become more entrenched in local culture and school programmes.
Challenges and Opportunities
There are several challenges that, if tackled, could help to strengthen rugby in Ghana:
- Grassroots and Youth Development – Expanding school rugby programs and local academies to build a strong talent pipeline.
- Improved Infrastructure – Upgrading training facilities and securing funding for better equipment and coaching.
- Competitive Exposure – Ensuring Ghana’s national teams (both men’s and women’s) participate in more regional tournaments, such as the Rugby Africa Cup and Sevens competitions.
- Commercial Partnerships – Attracting sponsorships and collaborating with World Rugby to secure financial backing.
Implementing these initiatives would address long-standing challenges, including limited funding and inconsistent domestic competition structures.
If successful, Inusah’s tenure could transform Ghana into a more prominent rugby nation within Africa. With strategic vision and inclusive development at the heart of her approach, there is clear potential for Ghana to rise through the ranks in global rugby.
Conclusion
The future of Ghana Rugby looks promising under Rafatu Inusah’s leadership. With a focus on women’s rugby, grassroots development, and strategic partnerships, Ghana could become a significant force in African and global rugby. The coming years will determine whether these proposals lead to lasting change and wider sporting success.