Amahoro Coalition, in partnership with the Samaritan Group and the Ghana Refugee Board, has just wrapped up a weekend to remember: the first-ever Refugee Football Scouting Tournament, a historic and hope-filled initiative that united sport and purpose in an unprecedented way.
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Over 120 young refugee players from eight different countries gathered at the Borteyman Sports Complex on Saturday, 30th August 2025, each one carrying dreams bigger than the pitch they played on.
From the dusty streets of refugee settlements to standing tall before seasoned scouts, coaches, and national icons, this tournament was more than football. It was about rewriting narratives.
“Being a Refugee Does Not Define My Future”
Among the shining stars of the tournament was 18-year-old Peter Hayes, whose energy on the pitch was matched only by the fire in his words:
“I want to prove that being a refugee does not define my future. I want to play for Ghana one day.”
Peter, like many others, sees football not just as a sport, but a lifeline — a way to reclaim dignity, find belonging, and chase a future filled with possibility.
Also standing out was 21-year-old Wamo Randy Wamo, who was visibly emotional upon his selection:
“Being selected from this tournament is a dream come true. I’ve always believed in my talent, but opportunities like this are rare when you’re a refugee. Today, I feel seen as a footballer with a future. I’m ready to train hard, learn, and make the most of this chance. One day, I hope to represent a club and inspire others like me.”
5 Hours. 6 Matches. 17 Dreams Ignited.
The tournament format was fast-paced and high-stakes: six competitive matches over five hours, culminating in the selection of 17 outstanding players. These players will now enter a structured training and mentorship programme with Division One and Two clubs in Accra.
Under the watchful eyes of top Ghanaian scouts and technical experts, these young talents will be given access to world-class training, professional development, and the real possibility of breaking into both national and international football scenes.
But as many reiterated — this was about more than just the game.
Refugee Voices, Global Impact
Over 120 refugee players participated, hailing from Chad, Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Rwanda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Sudan, and Togo. For most, this was their first-ever opportunity to play in front of professional scouts.
“As global funding for humanitarian efforts decreases, it’s more important than ever to provide refugees with opportunities to empower themselves and build sustainable futures,” said Tetteh Padi, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board.
The event drew an impressive roster of Ghana’s football elite, whose presence lit up the atmosphere — not just for the game, but for what it symbolized.
In attendance were:
Kwadwo Asamoah– Former Juventus & Inter Milan midfielder
Emmanuel Agyeman Badu – Former Ghana Black Stars & Udinese Calcio
Fatau Dauda – Former Orlando Pirates player, now Goalkeepers Coach, Ghana National Team
Mas-Ud Didi Dramani – Head Coach, Hearts of Oak
Abdul Gazale – Assistant Coach, Hearts of Oak
Najahu Issah – Goalkeepers Coach, Hearts of Oak
Nana Yaw Amponsah – President, CSF Spartanii-SPORTUL
David Obeng Nyarko – CEO, Kingsports LLC
Champions of Change
Gideon Fosu, Executive Committee Member of the Ghana Football Association, voiced his pride in the initiative, noting its powerful potential to shape the future of Ghanaian football through inclusion and diversity.
Meanwhile, Nana Yaw Amponsah, CEO of the Samaritan Group, made a poignant remark:
“This tournament goes far beyond football. It gives children a chance to be taken off the streets and placed on a path toward growth, dignity, and purpose.”
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr, Founder and CEO of Amahoro Coalition perhaps summed it up best:
“Sports brings discipline, constructive engagement, and helps young people build their futures. Our VIPs today are the young players, and we hope to see them on TV playing for recognized teams globally someday.”
The 17 selected players begin their journey , training with top clubs and undergoing mentorship designed to prepare them for the demands of professional football.
And this is just the beginning. The Amahoro Coalition and its partners are committed to making the #RefugeeFootballScoutingTournament an annual event, with an even broader reach and deeper impact.
In a time when refugee narratives are too often marked by limitation, this tournament has flipped the script — proving that talent knows no borders and that dreams, no matter where they begin, are worthy of pursuit.
