German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have officially expanded their global youth development footprint to Africa with the launch of the BVB International Academy Ghana, marking the German club’s first international academy on the continent.
The academy is set to open in Accra in February 2026 and is being delivered in partnership with Accra Shooting Stars FC. It will provide structured football development for boys and girls aged between six and 18, using Borussia Dortmund’s internationally recognised training model while remaining rooted in Ghana’s football culture.
Speaking at the launch last Saturday in Accra, the Director of Internationalisation and Commercial Partnerships and Managing Director of the BVB Football Academy, Benedikt Scholz, described the initiative as both symbolic and strategic.
“This opening is a strong statement in a market with which BVB has been connected for many years through players such as Otto Addo and Ibrahim Tanko. Together with our partners on the ground, we look forward to building sustainable structures step by step for the development of young footballers,” he said.
The academy will operate as a non residential facility based at Achimota School and will function as an official member of Borussia Dortmund’s global International Academy network. Training programmes will place emphasis not only on football skills, but also on discipline, leadership, education, nutrition and personal development.
Academy Director Teddy Hiadzi said the model was deliberately designed to cater for players at different stages of development, combining elite pathways with a strong recreational component. “Every child’s football journey is different. Whether recreational or elite, our goal is to provide quality coaching, structure, and a safe environment where players can grow both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Mr Hiadzi disclosed that the academy would be open to all, with fees ranging between the cedi equivalent of 1,500 and 2,500 euros, depending on age category and programme, adding that affordability and access remained key considerations.
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Black Stars legend Ibrahim Tanko, who will serve as ambassador for the academy, said the project carried special meaning for him given his own career pathway. “Bringing the BVB philosophy to Ghana is something very special. This country has incredible talent and passion, and this academy will help young players develop the mindset and discipline needed to succeed,” he said.
The origins of the academy date back to discussions held before the COVID 19 pandemic between the founder of Accra Shooting Stars FC, Isaac Ansah, and Borussia Dortmund representatives at the World Football Summit in the United Kingdom. Those talks later evolved through player training opportunities in Germany and were reinforced by the BVB Legends Tour of Ghana in 2022, culminating in a formal partnership with BVB Global.
Officially registered with the Ghana Football Association, the academy will operate across clearly defined age groups and a dual pathway system that allows players to pursue football either at a recreational level or through an elite development stream. Organisers say this structure is intended to provide credible and transparent progression routes for young players.
Beyond football training, the academy has also embedded community impact into its core model. Twenty per cent of its intake will be reserved for scholarships targeting talented but underprivileged children from surrounding communities, supported through community scouting and school outreach programmes.
Enrollment for the maiden intake is currently ongoing, with information sessions and football camps planned in collaboration with local schools, as Borussia Dortmund begins what it describes as a long term commitment to youth development in Ghana.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh