Ephraim Zinser: Ghana’s 7-foot giant who dreams of basketball glory

Walking through Ngleshie Amanfro, Ephraim Zinser Mac-Saawa rarely gets to be just another face in the crowd.

At seven feet tall, he attracts attention wherever he goes, with curious residents stopping him for photographs and strangers asking how tall he is.

But beyond the towering frame that has made him a familiar face in the community, the 2025 Abakrampa Senior High School graduate is chasing a dream that could take him far beyond the streets of Greater Accra: representing Ghana in international basketball.

“I want to join Ghana's national basketball team, compete in international tournaments and help win a trophy for the country,” he told Joy Sports in an interview.

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Originally from Nandom Piina in the Upper West Region, Ephraim developed an interest in sports during his basic school years, when he played volleyball.

By senior high school, however, basketball had captured his imagination.

“By the time I reached senior high school, my dream was to play basketball rather than volleyball,” he recalled.

His ambition faced an early obstacle at Abakrampa SHS, where there was no basketball court to support his development.

While football and athletics received attention, he had limited opportunities to train in his preferred sport.

That has begun to change. For the past two months, Ephraim has trained at Magic Basketball Academy in Tudu, near Accra Technical University, following an introduction facilitated by his father.

“First, I need to learn to play basketball very well. That way, if I get the opportunity to join the national team, I will be able to perform well and help the team,” he said.

His role model is French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama, whose defensive abilities and commanding presence have made him one of the sport’s most recognisable young stars.

“I admire how he plays, especially his defensive skills. That is why he is my role model,” Ephraim said.

Despite his physical advantage, he understands that height alone will not secure a professional career.

He hopes to join a team willing to give him the opportunity to develop his skills and compete for titles.

His immediate challenge is accessing adequate training equipment.

Life beyond the court

Ephraim's height also presents everyday difficulties, particularly when using public transport.

“If I sit at the back, I sometimes experience leg pain by the time I reach my destination. That is why I usually sit in front,” he explained.

When the front seat is occupied, he sometimes asks a trotro mate to explain his situation to the passenger. While some people agree to change seats, others refuse, forcing him to wait for another vehicle.

“They should explain our difficulties to other passengers so that people understand why sitting at the back can be uncomfortable for us,” he appealed.

Away from basketball, Ephraim works at a printing press in Ngleshie Amanfro while preparing to pursue university education in Computer Science.

He hopes to become a software engineer and develop applications that help young people learn rather than rely entirely on artificial intelligence for school assignments.

FKA/VPO

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