Football as a Heritage Asset in Ghana

Abstract

The discourse on heritage documentation in Ghana has mostly focused on chieftaincy regalia, migration, slavery, among others. However, little has been done when it comes to sports heritage in Ghana. This research thus documented, and analysed the heritage value of football in Ghana in relation to names, emblems, songs, and supporters of football clubs. Using an eclectic approach comprising of oral traditions and archival search, the study revealed that there is a close relationship between football and heritage. The research has generated data to suggest that football and its associations are mediums through which groups of people, including supporters, local communities, and industries memorialize and make reference to their history and assert peculiar identities. Also, the study brought to light that emblems of football clubs are symbols of boldness and braveness to the clubs. Similarly, the study shows that football clubs are prestigious; some serve a reverence to great men and women whose sacrifices have enhanced the life conditions of people. In short, this research has shown that the sport of football is embedded with diverse heritage as evident by names, songs, and emblems of football clubs. The sport of football is a powerful voice and platforms for communities to construct, assert, and express identities. Despite these heritage values embedded in football, the study recommends that football clubs should embark on education among their supporters to let them understand what the clubs stand for. This, I argue will help prevent hooliganism in football, thereby safeguarding the heritage values of football.