Ghana names squad for 2024 Badminton All-African U19 Championship

The Ghana Badminton Association proudly announces the official squad representing Ghana at the upcoming 2024 Badminton All African U19 Championship and the All England Juniors Championship.

This prestigious tournament will showcase the best young badminton talent from across the continent and Europe. It is also part of the qualifying event for Africa's 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

The YOG Dakar 2026 competition is a two-week event from October 31, 2026, bringing together the world's best young athletes. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly) and aim to catalyze the transformation of Senegal through sport while becoming a blueprint for future YOG hosts.

The selected squad, which comprises a mix of experienced players, including current Africa #3, Leslie Adote Addo, and Moslena Adu, and promising athletes on the high-performance programme of the national governing body, aims to demonstrate the growing strength of badminton in Ghana and compete for top honours against 16 other African nations expected at the event.

In England, the team will be welcomed by the most passionate fans and valued clients to the closest friends and family. Hospitality at Birmingham 2022 will unite people for this once-in-a-lifetime sport and culture festival. The Hospitality Programme by Badminton England and the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Senegal will include vibrant and attractive packages available during the event at critical preliminary and medal sessions.

The Ghana U19 Squad includes

ADDO, Leslie Nii Adote, Korle Gonno, Greater Accra Region

The team captain reached the quarter-finals of the African Games held in Accra, Ghana. He possesses the strength and energy and is hoping to surpass his ranking as the current Africa number 3 and in a clear goal post to qualify for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics and a beginning point accumulation towards 2024 World Championships, LA 2028, African Games 2026, Commonwealth Games 2026, and other major sporting events. He brings depth to the team's continuing rise and world achievement at the summit of major international competitions.

ADU, Moslena Ama Korama, Agona Nyarkrom, Central Region

Current Ghana's number one female player and the World Junior Championship finalist has been a toast for many to watch. The Agona Nyarkrom prodigy has braced for many decades of future potential. The 2023 African Games player climbed to be the female champion for both juniors and seniors, offering a lightning green for the squad.

ANKRAH, Jonathan, Abakrampa, Central Region

Growing in favour of experience and professionally, the lad, from a notable podium finish in the 2021 African International Series and the National Doubles Junior Champion, is poised to reposition and get the team on success and glory.

QUARCOO, Racheal, Osu, Greater Accra Region

Nicknamed the Terminator, her process won her many laurels in the past three years, including a scholarship from playing in the African Continental Series. The former National Champion berets the hope of all Ghanaians; her dazzling skills and talent will be among the stars in this glorious African Championships event as she looks to maintain her dominance on the continent.

AMOFA, Andy-Nyaboo, Ashanti Region

With his ever-fighting prowess in Singles and Doubles Events, the 2023 World Junior Championship, USA prodigy leaves much to be desired. The current Juniors Boys Singles Champion offers blazing entertainment play across all events; having transitioned maturely on the field of play and to the continental Sub-juniors events, the team berets success in podium finish and to reign supreme on the continent once more.

KWAW, Nathaniel Abekah-Awutu Bawjiase, Central Region

From farming with parents in the village to climbing tall of an aberration of hope, the national star is calibrating with joy and celebration. His nationally ranked results of the top 5 Juniors depict his climbing nature in the sport, having won the podium on the continental scene since 2021.

QUARCOO, Daniel, Osu, Greater Accra Region

Daniel's rise in speed and power and his doubles style play bring a wanton of mirror success to bear. Having won national titles and podium success in Africa, the young chap brings added value to the doubles setup of the team.

ADU-MINTAH, Obabompa, Agona Nyarkrom, Central Region

Nicknamed the Silent Killer, the youngest of the team, was a podium finisher at the last participated African Championship, bringing laurels to the nation. With his astonishing net play and defence, the national Sub-Junior Singles and Doubles Champion brings wealth and depth to the team.

Coaching Development Department Moses Adu and Ernest Sakyi expressed confidence in the team's abilities, stating, "We have a talented group of players who have been working diligently in preparation for these championships. We aim to win the two competitions in England and Senegal and make a mark on the continental stage. We represent Africa among the 21 countries for the All England Championships; the world should watch out for us."

"The national governing body is once again immensely proud to be a part of such an impactful African, European, and World Championships," said Dr. Benjamin Baah Konadu, Director of Events. "Now entering its third year overall within our High-Performance qualification programme, the invitation alone as the only African country in these global events initiatives speaks to the commitment that Ghana Badminton has in growing the opportunities that our sport provides. Leading the charge for these tournaments' success, together with our primary stakeholders and lead partners like Tebel Ghana, Ministry of Youth & Sports, National Sports Authority, Ghana Olympic Committee, and the National Paralympic Committee, and in line with our 2027 Strategic Plan of Place, People, Participation, and Performance themes - we will make Africa proud."

The All England Junior Championships will be held in Birmingham, with Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Falkland Islands, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, USA, and Wales. Participation in these key Junior Championships will provide vital world ranking points and opportunities for junior rankings for our athletes' onward educational and global college opportunities abroad. The African and European events will lead to the 2026 Youth Olympics points build-up and exposure to vital international competitions. Ahead of this major championship, national camping is ongoing at the Borteyman Sports Complex to get the contingent in the right shape.

The Senegal tournament will feature teams from various African nations, providing an invaluable opportunity for our athletes to gain experience and showcase their skills. The Ghana Badminton Association encourages all sports enthusiasts and supporters to rally behind the team as they embark on this exciting journey. As part of its commitment to developing badminton in Ghana, the association will continue to invest in youth programs and training initiatives to nurture future champions.