
Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has praised the Mansour Group’s plan to build a new Right to Dream (RTD) Academy near Accra, describing it as “a gift to Ghana’s youth and the country’s future.”
The multi-million-dollar project, scheduled to begin in early 2026, will replace RTD’s Old Akrade base with a modern campus combining elite football training with quality academic education.
Government officials have welcomed the investment, calling it a major boost to youth development and Ghana’s reputation as a football and education hub.
RTD confirmed that all scholarships will continue at a temporary facility in the Accra area during construction, with the new campus expected to open in 2027.
“As a kid, I never had the opportunities Right to Dream is offering now,” Essien said. “What RTD is doing is a gift to the youth and future of Ghana, especially because education is such a big part of the programme alongside football.”
The Mansour Group, which acquired RTD in 2021 through Man Capital LLP, has invested more than US$180 million in expanding the global academy system, including about €15 million in Ghana. New academies have already opened in Cairo (2023) and San Diego (2025).
The upcoming Accra campus will host nearly 100 student-athletes and feature upgraded classrooms, dormitories, pitches, and performance facilities. RTD’s 127 Ghana-based employees will be retained throughout the transition.
Essien, now a coach at RTD’s partner club FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, said the Mansour family’s investment reflects a long-term commitment to African youth.
“The new academy plans and investment in Ghana are a massive statement. It will take RTD’s programme to an even higher level,” he said.
Founded in 1999, Right to Dream blends education and sport to create dual career pathways for young talents, producing professional footballers, university scholars, and community leaders.
Many alumni now play for national teams, compete in top European leagues, or study in prestigious institutions across the U.S. and beyond.
Essien, reflecting on his journey from Ghana to Europe, said the new project will multiply opportunities for the next generation.
“RTD gives young players the chance to combine books and boots. It’s a gift that will keep giving for years to come,” he said.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports described the new facility as a catalyst for public-private partnerships that merge athletic excellence with education, vital for Ghana’s long-term football success.
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