The RLEF has awarded Observer status to Ghana Rugby League, giving the sport its first official presence in West Africa.The formation of GRL was initiated by the RLEF and UK Sport in June 2012 and an Association founded almost two years later by a Board of six Directors.

The inaugural Board is: President – Sylvester Wellington, Secretary – Eric Sena Adjeye, Treasurer – Alfred Attieku, Organizer – Marshal Nortey, Sponsorship Coordinator – Kofi Twumasi and Development Coordinator – Mohammed Rufei.

Sylvester Wellington, the driving force behind the sport’s progress in the country, is confident about its future in Ghana. “Being Observers of the RLEF is a good reward for our hard work,” he said from Accra. “But we can't wait to achieve much greater things together with them and such as UK Sport International. We will use this platform to achieve greater heights. The administrators and players who have come in contact with the sport have fallen in love with it.”

Remond Safi, RLEF Middle East Africa Regional Director, added: “it has been a great experience working with GRL and seeing the rapid growth rugby league has gained there. Many other West African nations can also follow the path set by them.”