Ghana’s youth football ecosystem is poised for a major boost this weekend with the official launch of BVB International Academy Ghana, the first African academy established by German football powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.
The historic launch, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, has already received strong backing from the Minister for Sports and Recreation, who has hailed the academy’s development model and linked it to the government’s broader agenda of raising standards in sports development across the country.
A Full Day of Activities to Mark the Launch
The launch event will span the entire day and feature a series of activities designed to showcase Borussia Dortmund’s football philosophy while engaging young players, parents, and football fans.
Activities will begin with an Official Launch and Breakfast Reception at Kwae Terrace in Accra at 8:00 a.m., bringing together key stakeholders from Ghana’s sports sector, football administrators, development partners, and invited guests.
This will be followed by a BVB Experience Camp, a youth coaching clinic scheduled to take place at the Achimota Secondary School football field from 10:00 a.m. The clinic will be led by Florian Ingwersen, Head of Football Academy, and Michael Rutten, Head of Coaching at BVB International Academy, who will work directly with young players and local coaches.
The day will conclude with a public BVB Watch Party at Pitstop in Labone at 2:30 p.m., where fans will gather to watch Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg, further strengthening the bond between the club and Ghanaian football supporters.
Years in the Making
The establishment of BVB International Academy Ghana marks the culmination of several years of collaboration and planning. According to the academy’s press materials, the initiative can be traced back to pre-pandemic discussions between Isaac Ansah, founder of Shooting Stars FC, and representatives of Borussia Dortmund.
These early conversations evolved into structured partnerships that included player training opportunities in Germany and were further solidified by the landmark BVB Legends Tour in Ghana in 2022, which deepened Borussia Dortmund’s engagement with the local football community.
A Holistic Development Model
The academy will operate from branded training pitches at Achimota Secondary School and offers a holistic football development programme for boys and girls aged 6 to 18.
Its structure is built around a dual-pathway model, catering both to elite players with professional ambitions and to children who wish to develop football skills in a recreational and educational environment.
A central pillar of the academy’s philosophy is community inclusion. As part of its corporate social responsibility commitment, 20 per cent of all intake slots will be reserved for scholarship players, targeting talented but underprivileged children who may not otherwise have access to structured football development.
Leadership and Management
The Ghana academy is led by a multi-disciplinary team combining local knowledge with international expertise. The leadership includes Academy Director Teddy Hiadzi, Sporting Director Marc Schweinshaupt, Public Relations Manager Eli Kondoh, and Academy Administrator Akumaki Ablakwa.
Ahead of the launch, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, to formally present the academy’s vision and operational framework.
Ministerial Endorsement and Policy Direction
During the meeting, Minister Adams expressed strong support for the academy, commending its emphasis on CSR-driven scholarships, gender equality, and early-age football education beginning at six years old.
He described these pillars as aligned with the government’s vision for sustainable sports development and youth empowerment.
The Minister also used the occasion to announce a broader regulatory initiative, revealing that the National Sports Authority would soon begin monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure that all sports academies operating in Ghana adhere to established standards.
He further encouraged Borussia Dortmund to explore the possibility of developing a residential academy facility in the future, which would allow the programme to attract and nurture talent from across the country.
Academy’s Response
In a statement following the engagement, BVB International Academy Ghana welcomed the government’s endorsement, describing it as a significant milestone.
The academy said it was “proud to have the Ministry of Sports and Recreation – Ghana’s support as we work to redefine youth football development in Ghana.”
Blending Global Standards with Local Identity
The launch of BVB International Academy Ghana represents a major step in the club’s mission to combine Borussia Dortmund’s globally recognised training standards with a distinct Ghanaian identity.
By offering a trusted, structured pathway for young players, the academy aims to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s football future—developing technically sound, disciplined, and socially responsible players who can thrive both on and off the pitch.
As Ghana continues to assert its place as one of Africa’s leading football nations, the arrival of Borussia Dortmund’s first African academy signals a new chapter in youth development—one rooted in professionalism, inclusivity, and long-term vision
