Ghana’s tourism sector and local communities in Accra and Busua are thriving. At the centre of this transformation stands Sandy Alibo, a visionary community builder whose projects, Surf Ghana and Skate Gal Club, are not just sports initiatives but platforms for African youth to reclaim their story, challenge perceptions and realise a borderless, inclusive and self-determined future.
The absence of visibility for African surfers was a glaring gap that Sandy wanted to address.
However, her mission transcended mere representation; it was about ensuring that the local community had ownership over their stories. “Who are they, what do they want and where do they want to go?” she says, emphasising the importance of African youth defining their paths.
Through these projects, she has broken barriers in action sports, particularly in a continent where access to equipment remains one of the biggest challenges.
Skateboarding became an entry point for this cultural shift. Unlike surfing, which remains an elite sport due to the high cost of equipment – a surfboard can start at US$600 compared to a skateboard at US$60.
Skateboarding offers a more accessible alternative. It provides not only a form of self-expression but a means of community building.
Surfers and skateboarders share a deep connection, bound by their passion for their boards and drive for freedom. This synergy has allowed Sandy to shape a project that bridges urban and rural spaces, drawing on diverse backgrounds and fostering local connections.
In this movement, women hold a pivotal space. The creation of Skate Gal Club was a step toward gender equality in the sports and creative industries.
Sandy reflects, “When I launched it, there weren’t many organisations dedicated to women.”
The collective has since become a hub where women in Ghana can explore their artistic and athletic identities. It has spawned a network of creatives – DJs, writers, entrepreneurs and fashion collectives – who have found a sense of belonging and a platform to elevate their passions.
The club’s impact runs deep. In a world where societal, parental and traditional pressures weigh heavily on young women, Skate Gal Club offers a sanctuary.
“Women often rely on marriage for support or to please their parents, because studying is expensive, and so is chasing your dreams,” Sandy says.
Here, however, women are encouraged to embrace self-sufficiency and independence on their terms. Some take on leadership roles within the organisation, planning events, designing spaces and shaping the community’s direction.
What began as a simple skate collective is now a women-led organisation, compromising a 70% female core team.
One of the most significant milestones of this journey was the opening of Freedom Skatepark on 15 December 2021. The energy of that day remains unforgettable for Sandy.
“It was magical – filled with joy, music, dance, and even tears,” she recounts.
The realisation dawned on everyone present: this was more than just a skatepark, it was a movement. Built through collaborations with figures like US fashion designer Virgil Abloh, Amsterdam-based fashion brand Daily Paper, and US shoe manufacturer Vans, the park stands as a revolutionary symbol to what is achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
Beyond sports, Surf Ghana is deeply committed to sustainable tourism. Sandy challenges visitors to rethink their travel experiences.
“Are you only staying in a fancy hotel that doesn’t belong to a Ghanaian? Or are you spending time with locals, listening to them, eating with them?” she asks.
True sustainable tourism, she believes, lies in active participation – supporting local businesses, exploring rural gems like Wli Waterfalls (the highest waterfalls in Ghana) and Bia National Park (in Ghana’s western regions), and uplifting community-led projects.
For Sandy, Surf Ghana and Skate Gal Club are not just about providing access to sports, they are rewriting the story of African youth, fostering creative ecosystems and ensuring that the continent’s future is shaped by those who call it home.
Through her work, she has not only created a space for board sports but built a movement that champions representation, empowerment and sustainable progress.
Image credits: Courtesy of Skate Gal Club, Kuukua Eshun, Sandy Alibo
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