How surfing is challenging tradition in a Ghanaian town

Sandy Alibo is the founder of Surf Ghana,, external an organisation which uses action sports to empower and educate young people and supports the building of a sustainable surfing infrastructure.

However beautifully Busua’s story is told, she says Ghana’s surf scene depends on cold, hard numbers.

“In the village, they see money first,” she says.

“Life is really difficult. People can earn 400-500 cedis (£26-£32) a month. The priority of every parent is to take care of their daughter and make sure they get married to someone who can look after them, and maybe even the family.

“Surfing is not a priority – it is still a luxury. Leisure time is not even part of the plan. In the tradition of the village, women should not even be outside. They go to school, come back home and help their parents in the house, and that is it.

“My thinking is that if surfing can bring money, the parents will accept it.

“I also develop skateboarding in Accra and I definitely notice a change as soon as it offers a job. That is what makes the shift, something direct and efficient. If you are a surfer you can get a job.

“That is the only way for the community to understand they are the beneficiary of all of this.”