Columbia University MBA Delegation Explores Synergies Between Football, Business, and Tourism with Ghana Football Association
A distinguished delegation of faculty members and 30 MBA students from Columbia University’s prestigious MBA program recently visited the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as part of their Global Immersion course. The engagement provided a unique platform for discussions on the evolution of Ghanaian football, its governance, commercialization, and the growing connection between football and tourism.
Led by senior faculty members, the delegation met with top GFA officials, including the General Secretary, Executives, and Heads of Departments, at the Federation’s Head Office in Accra. The discussions centered around football governance, revenue generation, and financial operations, offering valuable insights into how the GFA secures funding for various projects. The session highlighted the crucial role of FIFA Forward programs, CAF funding, and UEFA-backed projects in supporting football development initiatives.
The delegation also explored the GFA’s milestones in women’s football development, including the expansion of the Women’s Premier League, talent identification pathways, and grassroots initiatives designed to promote female participation in football. The GFA’s commitment to youth talent identification was emphasized, with a focus on structured scouting and international collaborations aimed at nurturing the next generation of footballers.
A key highlight of the engagement was a presentation by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), led by Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO – General Services. The presentation underscored the significant role of sports tourism in Ghana’s economic development. Over the past four years, the GTA has actively promoted football as a tourism asset, leveraging major tournaments, fan engagement activities, and strategic branding to position Ghana as a leading sports tourism destination in Africa.
