Ghana Tennis Federation appeals for support to avert risk of demotion

The Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF) has issued an urgent warning that Ghana risks demotion in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup if it fails to compete in the 2026 fixtures scheduled for June in Nairobi and July in Gaborone.

According to the statement released by the Federation, Ghana risks losing its place in both tournaments if it fails to participate in the 2026 fixtures scheduled for June in Nairobi, Kenya, and July in Gaborone, Botswana.

The GTF revealed that it has operated for the past 15 years without direct state funding, relying heavily on corporate sponsorship and support from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

"Previous participation in international competitions has been sustained through ITF grants and partnerships with sponsors such as Stanbic Bank, MTN, Telecel, KGL Foundation, Nii Plant Car Rentals, and the Ghana Olympic Committee," part of the statement read.

However, preparations for the 2026 tournaments have been severely affected by financial constraints.

The Federation cites intense competition for corporate sponsorship driven largely by the Black Stars’ involvement in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as a 50 percent reduction in ITF participation grants following the loss of a major sponsorship deal.

The GTF warns that failure to compete in the upcoming events would lead to Ghana’s demotion, a development it describes as both damaging to the country’s international tennis reputation and a potential national embarrassment.

"We therefore make a clarion call on the Government of Ghana to urgently reclaim its primary role in funding national sports activities, particularly tennis, to safeguard Ghana’s standing in global competitions. The Federation remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting sports development, and representing Ghana with pride, but this mission cannot be achieved without the state’s intervention," part of the statement read.

PAH/JE