Former Black Stars captains Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan are set to swap the football pitch for the tennis court in a special exhibition match during the inaugural Ga Mantse Tennis Open, adding star power to a tournament designed to promote tennis and youth development in Ghana.
The tournament was officially launched on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the Ga Mantse Palace in North Kaneshie, Accra, where His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, declared the competition open and delighted guests by showcasing his own tennis skills.
One of the major highlights of the event will be an exhibition tennis match between Appiah, affectionately known as Tornado, and Gyan, popularly called Baby Jet. The two Ghanaian football legends are expected to face off at the Frank Ofori Centre Court at the Accra Sports Stadium on a date yet to be announced.
Organisers say the exhibition is intended to attract greater public interest in tennis while inspiring young people to embrace the sport.
The maiden Ga Mantse Tennis Open will feature men’s and women’s singles competitions, wheelchair tennis, and a colourful funfair involving traditional leaders, celebrities, sports personalities and other distinguished guests.
Chief Executive Officer of GeNet, Ms Gina Nettey, who developed the tournament concept and proposal, said the initiative was created to provide opportunities for young people and strengthen the growth of tennis in Ghana.
President of the Ghana Tennis Federation, Mr Isaac Aboagye Duah, welcomed the addition of the competition to the national tennis calendar, expressing confidence that it would provide players and officials with another platform to develop their talents and raise the standard of the game.
Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, described tennis as one of the world’s most rewarding sports and encouraged more Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to take up the game.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Ga Mantse, Madam Julia Naa Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Ga Mantse Palace, stressed the need to encourage more girls to participate in sports, especially tennis.
She noted that the sport helps develop discipline, resilience, confidence and strategic thinking, qualities that are essential for young people’s personal and professional growth.
Veteran tennis administrator and coach Peter Annan, popularly known as Grandmaster, praised the Ga Mantse for championing the sport. A respected figure who has won numerous titles, organised several championships and mentored generations of players, he thanked the organisers for promoting tennis among students and raising awareness of the sport across the country.
Students from St Mary’s Senior High School, Accra Wesley Girls’ High School, and Labone Senior High School attended the launch, reflecting the tournament’s emphasis on youth participation and grassroots development.
The inaugural competition has attracted support from several corporate and institutional partners, including the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Blue Skies, Peeva, and Decathlon.
Held as part of the annual Homowo Festival celebrations, the Ga Mantse Tennis Open aims to harness the power of sport to strengthen community unity, promote healthy lifestyles, develop young talent and position the Ga State as a destination for sports tourism.
With two of Ghana’s greatest football icons preparing to battle on the tennis court, organisers are confident the tournament will capture national attention and mark the beginning of a new tradition on Ghana’s sporting calendar.
