Ghana is set to make its first appearance on the international motorsport stage at the Karting Africa Showrun in Angola next month. The event, scheduled for October 10-11, 2026, in Benguela, will feature a three-driver team representing the country. The team, led by Auto Racing Ghana (ARG) president Samuel Moses Opoku-Agyemang, recently paid a courtesy call on National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah in Accra. This historic participation marks a significant milestone for Ghana's motorsport industry.
The Ghanaian team will comprise senior driver Jihad Armand and junior drivers Khloé Kusi-Asomah, 11, and Ezra Stephens, 9. Armand has undergone training at the WORR Motorsport academy in South Africa, while the two junior drivers have been developing their interest in karting from an early age. The Karting Africa Showrun is expected to bring together 39 drivers from across the continent and will feature senior officials from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and national motorsport authorities from across Africa.
The event will also serve as a preview for the Karting Africa Cup, scheduled to run across five African countries in 2027. Ghana is set to host the Karting Africa Showrun in 2027, and the current participation will provide valuable experience for the team. NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah expressed his impression with the team's preparation despite limited resources and pledged the NSA's support once Auto Racing Ghana completes its registration process.
Auto Racing Ghana is working towards developing FIA-standard tracks in Ghana to support karting, road car clubs, and driver development. The federation plans to use these facilities for vehicle launches, test drives, and science and engineering education. The STEM Racing Ghana program, targeting over 100 schools and 10,000 students, aims to promote motorsport and education.
In addition to developing motorsport, ARG plans to use the sport to promote road safety, working with various stakeholders, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and the Ghana Standards Authority. The federation's efforts have garnered support from sponsors, including Engineers & Planners, Imperial General Assurance, ASKY Airlines, and Starbites, who are funding Team Ghana's trip to Angola.
The Karting Africa Showrun is a significant event for African motorsport, and Ghana's participation marks a major milestone for the country's industry. With the support of sponsors and the NSA, Team Ghana is poised to make a strong impression at the event. The experience gained will be invaluable as Ghana prepares to host the Karting Africa Showrun in 2027.
As Team Ghana prepares for the Karting Africa Showrun, the country's motorsport industry is expected to gain momentum. With the development of FIA-standard tracks and the promotion of road safety, Auto Racing Ghana is working to establish a strong foundation for motorsport in Ghana. The participation of senior officials from the FIA and national motorsport authorities will provide opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Key points
- Ghana to make debut at Karting Africa Showrun in Angola with three-driver team
- Event to feature 39 drivers from across Africa, with senior officials from FIA and national motorsport authorities
- Ghana set to host Karting Africa Showrun in 2027, with current participation providing valuable experience
