Ghana veterans shine at maiden West African Handball Festival in Benin

The Veterans Handball Association of Ghana participated in the maiden edition of the Veterans Handball Festival held in Grand Popo, Benin, from May 1 to 3, 2026. 

Team Ghana departed Accra on Friday with a 23-member contingent led by Chairman Mr. Patrick Kofi Norvor, alongside Acting Deputy Secretary Madam Philippine Ossom.

The festival brought together veterans’ teams from Ghana, Togo, and host nation Benin, with Nigeria unable to participate. 

The event was aimed at promoting healthy living, rekindling old friendships, and reconnecting former players with the sport after their active years on the court. Activities included handball matches, musical interludes, and a dinner night.

Chairman of the Veterans Handball Association of Ghana and Vice Chairman of the West Africa Veterans Association, Mr. Patrick Kofi Norvor, expressed satisfaction with Ghana’s participation. 
“I am happy that we were able to raise a team to participate and reconnect with our colleagues,” he said. 

“This second life on the court adds value to our lives as we grow. Since Ghana has been given the nod to host the next edition, we will do our best to welcome our neighbours and strengthen the healthy relationships we built during our active playing days.”

Coach of the Ghana male veterans’ team, Madam Angelina Shang, described the festival as a perfect blend of fun, fitness, and competition. 

“This is a triangular veterans’ competition for former handball players,” she explained. “We are here to have fun, but we also want to perform and win. When you are on the bench, you see more of the game, study it, and advise the players and they take that advice.”

She emphasized the health and developmental benefits of veterans’ handball while calling for greater recognition of the sport in Ghana. 

“This helps us keep fit even after our active years. You don’t grow old suddenly; your growth is gradual,” she said. “As Ghana prepares to host the next edition, we will improve on what has been done here and restore the hope in the younger generations through this initiative”

Festival organizer Ayissou Kwesi said the competition was created to revive the Veterans Handball Association, which had existed for decades without consistent activity. 

“The idea behind this festival is to give a second life to the Veterans Association,” he stated. “Since its creation in 1990, there had been long periods without activity due mainly to communication and coordination challenges among member countries.”

He explained that a new structure has been introduced to ensure sustainability. “We agreed on a rotating presidency and made the festival a mandatory activity every 18 months,” Ayissou said.

“Benin started, Ghana will host next, followed by Togo and Nigeria. Grand Popo was chosen because it is centrally located and accessible to all countries. This system will strengthen cooperation and keep the veterans active.”

The festival will be organized on a rotational basis among member associations and held every 18 months. Ghana has been confirmed to host the next edition, with Togo scheduled to follow.