Ghana Makes Historic Debut at Continental Karting Championship in Angola

Ghana is set to make a significant breakthrough on the continental motorsport stage as Team Ghana prepares to compete at the Karting Africa Showrun in Benguela, Angola, on 10 and 11 October 2026. The historic participation represents the country's maiden appearance in an international motorsport event and signals growing ambitions to establish Ghana as a competitive force in African racing.

The NSA Director-General, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, formally received the team at the authority's Accra office on 18 September, endorsing the federation's efforts and pledging support for the development of FIA-standard racing facilities across the country. The gesture underscores the government's commitment to nurturing competitive motorsport despite the challenges of limited resources.

Team Ghana's Composition and Preparation

The delegation comprises three drivers competing under the Auto Racing Ghana (ARG) banner: senior driver Jihad Armand, who has trained with WORR Motorsport in South Africa, and junior drivers Khloé Kusi-Asomah, 11, and Ezra Stephens, 9. The team is led by Mr Samuel Moses Opoku-Agyemang, President of ARG, alongside board members Dr Nana Kwame Asante-Appiah and Ms Korla Assimeh.

Despite working with constrained resources, the young drivers have prepared rigorously on local tracks. The junior drivers, who developed their passion for racing from an early age, will be competing against 39 drivers representing nations across the continent. Their participation reflects growing grassroots interest in motorsport among Ghanaian youth and demonstrates parental commitment to supporting their children's sporting aspirations.

Why it Matters for Ghana

Ghana's entry into international motorsport carries significant implications beyond racing. The Karting Africa Showrun serves as a preview to the 2027 Karting Africa Cup, a five-round continental championship. A strong showing in Angola could position Ghana as a competitive player in future African motorsport competitions and attract investment to the sector.

More broadly, ARG's development strategy presents opportunities for economic growth and job creation. The federation plans to establish licensed clubs, FIA-standard racing facilities, and competitive structures at local, regional and international levels. These facilities will generate employment for drivers, mechanics, administrators, and support staff whilst diversifying revenue streams through hosting events and attracting sponsorship.

The federation's STEM Racing Ghana programme, targeting over 100 schools and 10,000 students, integrates motorsport with science and engineering education. This initiative could inspire younger Ghanaians into technical careers whilst establishing racing facilities as learning hubs for students from basic to tertiary level. Additionally, ARG's road safety mandate—developed in partnership with the DVLA, MTTD and Ghana Standards Authority—positions motorsport as a platform for improving national driving standards.

Building Momentum for 2027

The timing of Ghana's international debut is strategic. The Karting Africa Showrun will relocate to Ghana in 2027, presenting an opportunity to showcase local talent, generate tourism revenue and strengthen the nation's motorsport infrastructure. The event is expected to attract high-profile guests, including FIA Vice President for Sport (Africa) Rodrigo Rocha and representatives from 14 African national motorsport authorities.

Team Ghana's success in Angola will largely depend on how effectively the drivers adapt to international competition standards and track conditions. However, the support structure already in place—backed by sponsors including Engineers & Planners, Imperial General Assurance, ASKY Airlines and Starbites—suggests serious institutional commitment to the venture.

The federation remains open to additional partnerships as it scales operations. Interested sponsors can contact ARG at +233 50 448 0300 or info@autoracingghana.com. For Ghana, the Karting Africa Showrun represents not just a competitive milestone but the beginning of a wider transformation in how the nation engages with international sport and invests in youth development.