In August 2010, The African Development Fund began construction of a 2-Field Baseball Complex on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon, where the university signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in partnership with the ADF to donate 22 acres of land to develop baseball programs.
The Complex is being constructed under the supervision of GM Ingenieria & Desarrollo (GMI&D), which is one of the most experienced baseball field developers in the Dominican Republic that also constructs fields for MLB. WILKADO Construction Works LTD is our local Ghanaian contractor. The Complex will include the following:
To date, the project is about one-third complete with the following phases of the construction completed for both fields:
Upon completion, the Complex will be the first of its kind in West Africa. The Complex will not only help develop the skills of Ghanaian youths and advance the culture of baseball in Ghana, but it will also serve as a regional center to host tournaments and competition among West African teams in ECOWAS, as well as West African universities and the African Baseball and Softball Association (ABSA).
Little League International has also expressed an interest to allow West Africa to become a new region (African teams are now grouped with teams in Kutno, Poland) where annual tournament winners will automatically qualify to advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Given that the United States is Ghana’s largest source of tourists, the fields will also be open to Americans and other expatriates who play baseball, which will help make the Complex a tourist attraction for visitors who enjoy watching baseball, as the games for President Bush and Senator Graham affirms.
The Little League field will serve at least 12 local Little League teams (144 children) and other community youths aged 9-12 who now play on converted fields, while the Major League field will serve age 13 and older that comprise at least 6 teams (72 children). The majority of all children are underprivileged. The Major League field will also serve at least 8 teams (96 children) aged 16 and over, in addition to university students.
This project will provide a historic first for Ghanaian youths to finally play on regulation fields. In addition, the impact of this project will be regional, as the African Baseball and Softball Association (ABSA) holds regional tournaments that can be played in Ghana on proper fields. Also, Little League International has expressed interest in regional tournaments that Ghana will be able to host. The project will be a first step toward transforming baseball in West Africa.
Through our fundraising efforts, sponsorship and annual dinner we are seeking an additional $350,000 to finish the project.
The African Development Foundation’s flagship sports development initiative is centered on transforming communities, building international bridges, and inspiring the next generation. Through the creation of a world-class baseball complex at the University of Ghana, ADF is laying the foundation for athletic and economic opportunity in West Africa.
Timeline of Impact
2006 – African Development Foundation begins youth baseball support in Ghana with funding and equipment.
2007 – MLB legends visit Ghana on a goodwill tour; Mets invite Ghanaian players and coaches to Spring Training.
2008 – President George W. Bush visits Ghana and meets Little League players.
2010 – Construction begins on Legon University Baseball Complex.
2012 – Complex hosts ECOWAS and University Games.
2017 – Scheduled completion of the Complex.
Legon University Baseball Field Complex
Facilities Will Include:
Goal: $600,000
This will be West Africa’s only baseball complex — a gateway for local, regional, and international events.
Current Status of Baseball in Ghana
Why Ghana?
Why Baseball?
A Proven Model: The Dominican Republic
We believe Ghana can be the next Dominican Republic.
📊 Ghana vs. Dominican Republic: Key Stats
Metric | Ghana | Dominican Republic |
Population | 27.3M | 10.5M |
GDP per Capita | $1,384 | $5,879 |
Youth Population (14 & under) | 38.9% | 29.5% |
Development Aid (annual) | $1.58B | $119M |
Insight: Ghana has a larger, younger population and a lower-cost environment, making it ripe for sustainable baseball development.
What’s Next?
How You Can Help
Your support can:
🎁 Every dollar gets us closer to creating the future of baseball in Africa.
Breast Care International.org – The African Development Foundation is proud to partner with Breast Care International. Established in 2002 as a Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana, Breast Care International (BCI) is a leading breast cancer advocacy organization in Africa and Globally, providing enabling environment to enhance early detection and reduce the late-stage presentation of breast cancer in Ghana. The mission of BCI is to bring hope, health, and empowerment to communities in Ghana through the provision and dissemination of quality breast cancer education, screening, counseling, advocacy, research, treatment, and support to intensify breast cancer awareness and improve the quality of life of women at risk of getting breast cancer. BCI’s vision is to maximize personal and community wellness through community participation, excellence in public health education and practice, and empowering people to save lives and end late-stage breast cancer presentation in Ghana. To learn more about the organization and the work they do, visit: www.breastcareinternational.org.
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