The Ghana Rugby Football Union marked International Women’s Day with a special training and fun games session for the national women’s rugby team as part of its “Empower Her – Kayayei Programme,” an initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in rugby.
The event brought together several teams, including the Kayayei side from Agbogbloshie, Griffons RFC from Cape Coast and Success Rugby Club from Dodowa.
Held at the Ghana Rugby Stadium at Legon, the session lasted more than five hours and featured intensive drills, tactical exercises and technical training under the guidance of experienced coaches and officials.
While the national team players demonstrated superior speed and technical ability, the younger participants from Griffons and Success—aged between 12 and 15—also impressed with their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn the sport.
Members of the Kayayei team, many of whom are exploring opportunities in sports, were equally excited by the experience. Several told reporters that although rugby is physically demanding, they found the game thrilling and expressed interest in pursuing it further.
Coach of the Kayayei Sports Club Association, Sangbasangba Obreanya, said the players already possess the physical strength needed for the sport and are keen to develop their skills.
“The girls are naturally strong, and all they need now is the technical aspect. They are ready and eager to learn and play,” he said.
President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah, also joined the training session, participating in some drills and assisting the coaching staff. She expressed delight at the passion shown by the young players.
“We have worked very hard today for a good cause. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to salute all women,” she said.
Chairman of the Kayayei Sports Association, Mr. Andrews, welcomed the initiative, noting that engaging the young porters in productive activities such as sports could create new opportunities for them.
“If the girls are involved in meaningful ventures, it will be a good thing. Many of them want to explore other paths, especially sports. I believe our love for rugby is here to stay,” he said.
General Manager of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Samira Mensah, who has played a key role in developing women’s rugby through initiatives like the Empower Her Kayayei programme and Rugby Rising, said the sport continues to gain ground across the country.
“Our message is spreading and reaching the regions. We are committed to promoting girls’ participation in sports, and grassroots development remains our priority. The formation of the Kayayei team is part of that effort,” she said, while thanking donors and sponsors for their continued support.
At the end of the programme, all participants received gifts from sponsors of Ghana Rugby.
