Although wildly considered unconventional, skating is a sport that has gained popularity among the younger generation in Ghana. While it is often viewed as a hobby in our part of the world, it is important to note that skating is an Olympic sport. Categorized under the Roller sports discipline, skating can be performed in various forms and ways, including roller skating, skateboarding, jam skating, and drafting among others.
Roller sports are a category of sports that utilize human-powered equipment, which relies on rolling either by gravity or various pushing techniques. Typically, wheels are used for momentum and traction and are attached to boots or boards that the roller putting its weight on.
Since 2010, the skateboarding scene in Ghana has been growing steadily, attracting a dedicated community of skaters. Skateboarding initially gained popularity through the efforts of a few passionate individuals who introduced the sport to local youth. These individuals started small skateboarding initiatives and worked towards creating spaces for skaters to practice and connect. Among such individuals is Joshua Ganyobi Odamtten of Skate Nation Gh and who is actively involved in developing the sport to meet international competing standards.
Over the years, several skate parks and spots have been developed in Accra. These spaces provide skaters with dedicated areas to practice their skills, interact with fellow enthusiasts, and organize events. Notable skate parks include the Trade Fair Skate Park, Mile 7 DIY Skate Park, and the Freedom Skatepark in East Legon.
The skateboarding community in Accra is vibrant and diverse, comprising skaters of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Local skaters often organize skateboarding competitions, demonstrations, and workshops to foster and encourage the growth of the sport. These events also serve as platforms for talented skaters to showcase their abilities and potentially gain recognition.
Skateboarding has also been recognized as a tool for social empowerment and community development in Accra. Non-profit organizations and initiatives have emerged that use skateboarding as a means to engage and support disadvantaged youth, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and positive self-expression.
Several skating clubs, including the Unity Skating Club, Welts Skating Club, and Skate Nation GH, have emerged to engage young people and promote the development of the sport. The rising popularity of skateboarding, coupled with the enthusiasm and commitment of local skaters, has resulted in greater recognition, infrastructure, and opportunities for skateboarders in the city.
Sandy Alibo, the founder of Surfghana is one of the notable names, championing the skate culture in Ghana. Her unwavering commitment to this cause is reflected in her numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including the Skate Gal Club, a monthly gathering that brings together 100 women to engage in skateboarding and art workshops, and the Skate Tour Ghana, the first of its kind in West Africa, which has empowered over 1000 children through skateboarding. She also founded the Freedom Skatepark, Ghana’s premier skate park which has attracted a host of high-profile personalities, including Virgil Abloh, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.
The Kokrobite Skating Crew; a skate and surf collective founded by award winning artist, Kirani Ayat is based in Kokrobite and has a goal of creating a safe, inclusive space, and a creative environment for the youth in Kokrobite and its environs to express themselves through skateboarding and surfing. Their membership has grown from 4 to 10 kids and more wanting to join everyday.
In Ghana, the Roller Sport is regulated by the Ghana Roller Sports Federation (GRSF) which has outlined several activities including a skating open championship, a national speed skating championship, and a National Skateboard championship slated to make skating a popular and elite sport in Ghana.
Skateboarding has become a way for young people in Accra to express themselves, connect with others who share their passion, and enjoy an exciting and challenging sport.
Written by Emmanuel Paapa Quaicoe.
