As part of iMullar’s commitment to platforming and highlighting significant cultural stories, we have championed several documentation series. Following our recently published piece on understanding concert photography in Ghana, we are expanding the conversation to cover another bright spot in photography: sports photography.
Unlike Ghana’s concert photography scene, which became a big deal among mainstream arts and entertainment, sports photography has more often than not, remained within the confines of the sports world. However, considering the marriage between sports and entertainment, there have been a few sports photographers who use photography to not only capture images but also to tell stories of the beautiful game of sports. These individuals capture the spirit, soul, and energy of sports. They capture the teamwork, mood, feelings, and sensation of every pass, sprint, jump, swing, stroke, or slide.
In our bid to capture and spotlight Ghana’s sports photography scene, we spoke to some photographers who shared their experiences in the industry.
My introduction to sports photography came from my deep love for both sports and visual storytelling. Growing up in Ghana, football was and is still everywhere, and I was always fascinated by the raw emotions, speed, and unpredictability of the game. My first real opportunity came when I started covering local matches, and from there, I built my career to eventually gain accreditation with UEFA, CAF, FIFA, and AFC.
Sports photography is very different from other forms of photography because it requires quick reflexes, anticipation, and an understanding of the game. Unlike studio or portrait photography, where you can control lighting and poses, sports photography is all about capturing fleeting moments in unpredictable conditions. You need the right gear, fast shutter speeds, and a deep knowledge of the sport to be in the right place at the right time. It’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and incredibly rewarding when you nail that perfect shot.
Sports photography in Ghana has evolved significantly. To date, it still hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves. Many clubs and organizations haven’t fully appreciated the power of high-quality sports imagery. But in recent years, with the rise of digital media and social platforms, there’s been a shift. Few Clubs, federations, and even players now understand the value of professional photography in building their brand and telling compelling stories. One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is how much access has improved. Before, sports photographers struggled to get credentials or even recognition, but now, there are more opportunities for young photographers to cover major events. Also, advancements in equipment and editing tools have helped elevate the overall quality of sports photography in Ghana.
That’s a tough one because I’ve captured so many incredible moments, but one that stands out to me is my 2024 Paris Olympics documentary. It was a powerful documentary of Ghanaian athletes, just moments of passion and sports heritage securing crucial victories through to this day. Their expressions were a mix of exhaustion, pride, hard work, determination, and relief. That documentary wasn’t just about the sport; it told the entire story of hard work, sacrifice, and national pride.
I was introduced to sports photography during the 2024 women’s Super Cup at Prampram and I believe sports photography still hasn’t gained so much recognition in Ghana even though it’s way better than it was years ago.
Over the years, pictures have developed more of a professional look than it was previously and that I’ll say has been the significant change in sports photography in Ghana. As far as my favorite sports photograph goes, it is the aerial shot taken from the starting line of the women’s final 100m race at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Sports led me to photography. About 15 years ago, after discovering the Accra Basketball League, I decided to start a blog about it. At the time, I had been playing basketball for a few years and was surprised by the complete lack of information about the league. After writing a few articles(on my blog at the time), I realized that adding photos would enhance the stories—and that was my introduction to sports photography and photography in general. I started my photography journey in a space where it was much needed, and my skills and photos were warmly welcomed. Traveling across the country to capture basketball in different regions, I have never encountered negativity because of my work. My focus on sports photography even led to a job with Ghana’s biggest basketball event organizers at the time, opening the door to several other opportunities along the way.
One notable change I’ve observed over the years is the growing number of photographers on the baselines. Seeing more people documenting the game is both encouraging and inspiring. This might be a cliche one, but Neil Leifer’s aerial shot of Mohammad Ali walking away from Sonny Liston after the knockout is my favorite sports photograph.
Written By Nana Kojo Mula.
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