This International Women’s Day, Brila Media celebrates Rachel Ankomah, the “First Lady of Rugby League in Ghana,” as a woman building the future of sport through opportunity and leadership.
As Director of Corporate Communications at the Ghana Rugby Football Union and founder of Accra Majestics Sports Academy, Rachel has created new spaces for girls in a sport traditionally dominated by men, embodying the principle of Give to Gain: Women Building for the Future of Women in Sports.
Determined to expand opportunities, Rachel became Ghana’s first women’s rugby league coordinator in 2020, establishing structures from the ground up and empowering girls to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Campaigns like Pretty Girls Play Rugby League challenge stereotypes and encourage young girls to step confidently into spaces where they were previously excluded.
“My ‘why’ is simple — I was once that girl,” Rachel explains. Growing up, she experienced firsthand the confidence and belonging sport can provide, while seeing many girls denied the same chance. Through her work, girls who once stood at the fence now lead from the centre, gaining the skills and confidence to thrive both on and off the field.
Despite challenges such as limited funding and delayed recognition, Rachel continues to build opportunity with persistence and purpose.
“What keeps me going is knowing the work is about making space for girls, not awards,” she reflects.
This International Women’s Day, Rachel Ankomah exemplifies how dedication and leadership can transform emerging sports programmes into pathways for girls to participate, lead, and thrive.
