In 1990, Ghana reached the Davis Cup Euro-Africa Zone Group I, placing them effectively among the top 40 tennis nations in the world. Led by the iconic Frank Ofori, who still holds the national record with 42 total Davis Cup wins, and Isaac Donkor, Ghana didn't just participate in international tennis; they hosted and defeated established European powers in front of thunderous crowds at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The shift from that "Golden Era" to the modern day is starkly visible in the rankings. As of early 2026, Ghana sits at 94th in the Davis Cup world rankings. While this is an improvement from previous years, bolstered by an undefeated 3-0 run in 2025 to earn promotion from Group IV, the country is still fighting to return to the continental elite. For comparison, neighbors like Egypt (42nd) and Morocco (46th) have maintained their infrastructure and professional pipelines, leaving Ghana as the 6th-ranked team in Africa. The individual records also highlight this gap: while Frank Ofori once reached an ATP ranking of 277, modern stars like Isaac Nortey and Abraham Asaba are working tirelessly to break into the top 1,000 while competing mostly on the ITF circuit. On the Junior level, talents are waylaid by the lack of support, infrastructure and equipment that otherwise would have fueled their rise to the top. Examples could be made of Raphael Nii Ankrah who despite limited resources, managed to make his way to a career high ITF WTTJ #317, being the first Ghanaian junior to have raised a J5 singles and doubles title.
The primary drawback facing the sport today is a lack of permanent, world-class facilities. To host a Davis Cup tie or an ATP-level tournament, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) requires specific seating capacities, high-end lighting, and consistent court surfaces that Ghana currently lacks on a national scale. While the Borteyman Sports Complex provided a temporary spark during the 2024 African Games, the country has struggled to maintain a year-round "home" for tennis. This lack of facilities creates a "talent drain" where players are forced to move to the United States or Europe to find the high-altitude training or specialized surfaces needed to compete at the highest level.
Despite these challenges, a "quiet revolution" is happening at the grassroots level. Projects like the Backyard Community Club in Osu are redefining what tennis looks like in Ghana. This facility, built with innovative rammed-earth walls and a professional-grade clay court, provides free lessons for local children and high-quality training for West African champions under 18. Additionally, new courts in places like Apirede in the eastern region facilitated by Tennis Foundation Ghana and StarOil show a move toward decentralizing the sport, moving it beyond the elite circles of Accra.
If Ghana can bridge the gap between its talent and its infrastructure, the benefits would be immense. Tennis offers a path to economic empowerment through international prize money and scholarships, which could rival the impact of football. It also serves as a massive draw for sports tourism, as hosting ITF Seniors or Pro Circuit events brings international visitors and global media attention to the country. Most importantly, a successful tennis program inspires the youth, proving that with a racket in hand, a child from a local neighborhood can follow in the footsteps of Frank Ofori and represent Ghana on the world stage.
