Driving waves of change: the role of local leadership in gender-inclusive surfing in Busua, Ghana

The Obibini Girls Surf Club is a locally owned, operated, and funded community-based initiative in Busua, Ghana, that uses surfing to expand social and cultural opportunities for local girls and women. At its establishment, girls’ participation in the club confronted significant cultural and social barriers. An examination of the club’s founding and operation highlights the critical role that a local visionary leader can play in the inclusion of girls and women in community-based sports initiatives. This case study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of girls’ sports participation in Africa, particularly in relation to surfing. Surfing serves as a unique tool for expanding girls’ opportunities and capabilities in Busua; however, their participation in the sport has been made possible through a culturally aware approach promoted by the club’s founder.