Derrick Charway

Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Sport and Social Sciences

Email: derrickc@nih.no
Phone: +47 23 26 24 36

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Background and experience

Derrick Charway is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of sport and Social Sciences. He earned his PhD from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. You can read his doctoral thesis by clicking here.

Derrick's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Sociology from the University of Ghana (2005-2009), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport for Development from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa (2014-2015), and a Master's degree in Sport Management from Seoul National University, South Korea (2016-2018).

Derrick joined the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences with 10 years of experience in research and project management in the areas of sport management, sport for development, and social issues in sport. He worked at the University of Ghana’s Sports and Wellness Directorate as the Head of Research and Projects Section from 2009 to 2019.

See Derrick's full academic profile and CV here.

Teaching

Research

Sport for Development and Peace, Sport Sociology, Sport Policy, Sport Management, Social Inclusion, and Digitalisation.

Projects

What holds them together? A Social Systems Analysis of Sport and International Development Partnerships between NIF and its key partners in Norway and Southern Africa.

Banda, Davies; Charway, Derrick & Kaluba, Collins (2026). Sport for development sector and climate change adaptation in Zambia—theories of strategic choice. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 8(1756982), p. 1–13. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1756982. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The World Economic Forum Annual Report 2023–2024 warned of the devastating impact that climate change will have on human health by 2025, claiming that 14.5 million deaths by 2050 are likely to occur because of weather-induced catastrophes such as droughts, floods, extreme heat, heatwaves, wildfires, and tropical storms. Regions of the world, whether in the Global North or Global South, are experiencing different, if not multiple, forms of these climate-driven events. In the Global South, home to many sport-for-development non-governmental organisations (SDP NGOs), community actors are responding to the call for environmental stewardship. The El Nino-induced drought in Zambia has destabilised the operation of SDP NGOs as organisations and participants experience water shortages, erratic electricity supply, and limited engagement time with participants. This study purposed to advance environmental research among some of Zambia's SDP sector actors by demonstrating their engagement in national climate adaptation programmes. The study explored how the SDP sector is responding to environmental matters such as the prolonged drought in Southern Africa and its implications on the operations of the SDP sector. Drawing upon John Child and Richard Whittington's theories of strategic choice, the study analysed the structural constraints and agency of SDP NGOs regarding climate education and practical adaptations to external forces. This study utilised a survey questionnaire which was administered among SDP actors and semi-structured interviews with purposively selected SDP actors to highlight organisational responses to climate change impacts. Using a realist lens, this study examined how agency and structure interact through SDP actions. The study reveals that SDP actors have responded through climate adaptation actions in efforts to transform their context amid the harsh local realities of climate change. It further reveals that SDP NGOs’ climate education continue to be constrained by environment and economic determinants.
Asif, Umair; Charway, Derrick & Gadais, Tegwen (2026). Traversing complex landscapes in Pakistan: exploring the potential for community-based sport initiatives and the prevention of violent extremism. In Abbas, Tahir; Vostermans, Lianne & McNeil-Willson, Richard (Ed.), The Routledge International Handbook on Social Exclusion and Radicalisation. Routledge. ISSN 9781003488521. p. 232–242. doi: 10.4324/9781003488521-22. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This chapter explores the role of community-based Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) initiatives in Pakistan in the context of rising violent extremism (VE). While SDP’s potential for positive social change is widely recognised, its specific role in addressing radicalisation remains underexplored, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Focusing on Pakistan, a country grappling with the ongoing threat of terrorism, this chapter explores how community-based organisations utilise sport-based interventions to foster resilience and social inclusion among vulnerable youth, thereby contributing to VE prevention. Despite the Pakistani government’s primarily top-down, military-focused approach to countering VE, community-based organisations, often supported by international NGOs, implement bottom-up initiatives that engage youth through sport. This chapter analyses the strategies employed by these community-based organisations, exploring how they leverage sport to cultivate life skills and promote positive youth development. Furthermore, this chapter offers a reflexive account of the first author’s qualitative data collection within high-risk communities in Pakistan, including areas affected by recent acts of VE. This methodological reflection addresses the challenges of identifying relevant community-based SDP organisations, navigating community entry, and ensuring ethical research practices within complex and sensitive social environments. This chapter concludes with discussions about the practical realities of implementing SDP initiatives, conducting research in these challenging settings, and the potential of sport as a tool for peacebuilding in Pakistan.
Charway, Derrick; Dougblor, Vivian Vinette & Antwi, Bright Baffour (2026). Youth Sports Development in Ghana: Policies, Collaboration, Gated Playing Fields, and Sport Betting, Routledge Handbook of Sports Development. Routledge. ISSN 9781003503910. p. 154–164. doi: 10.4324/9781003503910-13. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This chapter critically analyses the fragmented landscape of youth sports development in Ghana and its impacts on participation, accessibility, and equity. We argue that the current system, fragmented across the Ministry of Youth and Sports (elite-focused), the Ministry of Education (community-focused), and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (gender and disability protection-focused) hinders progress. Youth sport sits at the heart of the nation’s identity, but participation remains uneven – existing policies and strategies, while well-intentioned, face challenges due to political implementation. The chapter further contends that the shift from traditional, freely accessible playing fields to commercially driven, gated AstroTurf pitches potentially creates barriers to access, disenfranchises participation in community sport and fuels the rise of sport betting among Ghanaian youth. The chapter proposes a collaborative, multi-ministerial approach to youth sports development to address these issues. This approach would emphasise grassroots sport-for-all initiatives, inclusive District Sports Units, and targeted programmes for underrepresented groups. Finally, the chapter recommends stronger partnerships between state and non-state sport organisations, including national sport associations (embodiment of local sport clubs) and Sport for Development, and Peace NGOs. Ghana can cultivate a more inclusive and equitable youth sport landscape by leveraging expertise and resources across these sectors.
Charway, Derrick; Asif, Umair; Abdollahkhani, Zohreh & Alkhatib, Mazen (2026). The contested terrain of Sport for Development and ‘Peace’ Amidst Persistent Global Aid Cuts and Geopolitical Tensions. Journal of Global South Sport Studies. 1(2). doi: https:/scholarworks.umb.edu/jgsss/vol1/iss2/4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) has emerged as a global concept for advancing humanitarian, peacebuilding and social benefits, particularly in disadvantaged communities and conflict-affected regions of the world. Yet, its promise is often entangled with the broader contradictions of international aid, which in the Global South often shifts from solidarity to systems shaped by power asymmetries, geopolitics and self-interests. Drawing on critical aid theory and decolonial thought, foregrounded in the Palestine context, we argue that SDP offers potential benefits but remains constrained by the very systemic issues it purports to redress. Further, we critique the International Olympic Committee’s stance of neutrality, raising questions about its significance as the supposed custodian of SDP globally and its ethical responsibility in conflict-affected contexts. Ultimately, we call for a reimagined SDP paradigm, grounded in humanitarian service, local voices, political consciousness, resistance to structural injustice and social protection.
Charway, Derrick; Nyawornota, Vida Korleki; Antwi, Bright Baffour; Amoah, Lydia & Oppong-Yeboah, Nana Yaw (2025). Unequal Road: Agency, Aspiration, and Migration in the Sporting Journeys of Ghanaian Female Athletes. Journal of Sport and Social Issues. ISSN 0193-7235. p. 1–26. doi: 10.1177/01937235251401869. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Challenging conventional narratives of migration in sports, this study delves into the lived experiences of Ghanaian female student-athletes navigating the intricate nexus of gender, global sports labor markets, and transnational mobility. This research offers critical insights into a previously understudied population by centering on the agency and aspirations of these athletes, alongside the structural barriers they confront in their pursuit of athletic and educational opportunities abroad. Anchored in World-Systems Theory, the study analyzes how enduring global inequalities, the Global North's pull intersecting with the Global South's push factors, shape the migratory trajectories of these women. Through a qualitative semistructured interview, a diverse participant cohort (n = 30) was recruited, including United States-based Ghana student-athletes who have competed in world championships; Ghana-based female athletes; and Ghanaian coaches who provided local insights on the challenges and opportunities for women's participation in sports within the country. The findings revealed a complex web of motivations and constraints, including attractive opportunities in the United States, systemic limitations in Ghana, and the lived realities of life in the “core,” such as cultural adjustment, career uncertainty, and persistent financial strain. The study concludes by discussing how sociocultural norms intersect with individual agency to facilitate transnational mobility and highlights the remarkable resilience of Ghanaian female athletes as they navigate and challenge the contours of global sports.
Charway, Derrick; Annor, Dennis Osei-Nimo & Banda, Davies (2025). Disability sport profile of Ghana: evolution, policies, politics and participation barriers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 7(1645536). doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1645536. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The profile analyses the landscape of disability sport in Ghana, tracing its historical evolution and contemporary challenges. Alongside legislative advancements and the dedication of various stakeholders, an increase in the persons with disability population has been observed. Based on data from the Ghana Statistical Service census, this demographic rose from 737,743 in 2010 to 2,098,138 in 2021, constituting 3% and 8% of the Ghanaian population in those respective years. Nevertheless, significant barriers to the mainstreaming of disability sport persist. The analysis delves into the interplay of cultural norms, government policies, and collaborative efforts in shaping the trajectory of disability sport in the country. Insights into the population of persons with disabilities and their engagement in sport offer a foundation for discussion. Further, an analysis of the roles of key state and non-state organisations, alongside international partners, emphasises the need to move from symbolic implementation to genuinely inclusive implementation. Contemporary issues such as political infighting, inadequate funding, gender dynamics, limited media coverage, exploitation of disability sport and systemic neglect continue to hinder progress. The profile underscores the urgent need for sustained policy implementation, increased investment, and a more inclusive and collaborative approach to secure a promising future for disability sport in Ghana.
Charway, Derrick; Asare, Francis & Grønkjær, Allan B. (2025). Leave No One Behind? Analysing Sport Inclusion Policy‐Implementation for Persons With Disabilities in Ghana. Social Inclusion. 13. doi: 10.17645/si.8866. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities are prevalent in many countries; however, actual support in local communities is lacking or inadequately addressed. In this article, we analyse the implementation of sport inclusion policies and the extent to which they exclude or include disabled sport associations in Ghana’s District Sports Units. Using document analysis, focus group discussions, and semi‐structured interviews, we collected data from representatives of state and non‐state organisations, drawing theoretical insights from ableism and policy networks to analyse the implementation of sport inclusion policies. The findings reveal that despite inclusion provisions at the local level, the policy implementation process presents challenges for District Sports Units. These challenges include the lack of funding, conflicts among network actors, deliberate disregard, membership gaps, and the absence of an integrated programme for disabled sport associations. These findings further inform our understanding of collaborative alliances, local autonomy, and the implication of ableism for policy networks.
Antwi, Bright Baffour; Charway, Derrick; Fouché, Rayvon & Finn, Jonathan (2025). The fitness boom and the pursuit of body ideals: domesticating the use of smartwatches in Ghanaian fitness spaces. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. ISSN 2159-676X. 17(4), p. 313–329. doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2025.2475342. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This study explores the use of smartwatches within fitness spaces in Ghana. As part of the fitness boom, the pursuit of body ideals has become increasingly intertwined with digital self-tracking, health, and moral imaginaries of self-improvement. The use of smartwatches in fitness spaces is crucial for understanding these connections. The study draws on interviews and participant observations with fitness enthusiasts in gyms and keep-fit clubs. We employ domestication theory to examine how smartwatches influence users’ understanding and construction of their fitness identities, social identities, and body ideals. Using these ethnographic methodologies and reflexive thematic analysis, our study reveals that smartwatches shape the Ghanaian understanding and construction of fitness and social identities. Practically, the participants have domesticated smartwatches to function as an infrastructure that promotes an active lifestyle. Symbolically, the device represents their socio-economic class and commitment to self-improvement. The findings suggest that as Ghanaian fitness enthusiasts strive to meet their fitness goals and conform to societal expectations of the ideal body, the smartwatch becomes a proxy for fitness, body ideals and communication convenience.
Charway, Derrick; Banda, Davies; Bitugu, Bella Bello & Lindsey, Iain (2024). A Multi-Stakeholder approach to sport as a tool for development in Africa : Comparing Ghana and Zambia. In Graeff, Billy; Safaříková, Simona & Sambili-Gicheha, Lin Cherurbai (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of the Global South in Sport for Development and Peace. Routledge. ISSN 9781032667560. p. 125–139. doi: 10.4324/9781032667805-10. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This chapter presents a novel comparative analysis of distinctive features of government-led policy implementation using sport as a tool for development in Ghana and Zambia. Countries from the Global South are regarded as the quintessential sites for development following the United Nations (UN) global emphasis on developmental goals since the beginning of the millennium. Governmental engagement in multi-stakeholder collaboration has been consistently advocated by the UN, and many African countries have, over time, engaged with these global agendas and made significant steps to include sport in their development policy agendas. In this study, we sought to understand Southern perspectives on the approaches and structures developed to implement these policy agendas. Focusing on the cases of Ghana and Zambia, semi-structured interviews that elicit the perspectives of key indigenous stakeholders who are involved with local policy implementation are complemented by textual analysis of country-specific policy documents. In Ghana, sport is considered a significant tool for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and a key element for ‘sectorial issues in social development’ in the country's 40-Year Long-Term National Development Plan (2018–2057). Similarly, sport has been used to tackle development outcomes in Zambia initially instigated by mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in both sports development and physical education programmes. Given this background, the chapter focuses on analysing and comparing networks of Ghanaian and Zambian actors within the sports policy subsystem of both countries. In doing so, the chapter offers a comparative analysis of policy implementation, distribution of resources, multi-stakeholder engagements and collaborations across the two countries.
Asif, Umair & Charway, Derrick (2024). Analysing the Role of Sport for Development and Peace Programmes in High-Risk Communities: Violent Extremism among the Youth of Pakistan. In Graeff, Billy; Safaříková, Simona & Sambili-Gicheha, Lin Cherurbai (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of the Global South in Sport for Development and Peace. Routledge. ISSN 9781032667560. p. 231–245. doi: 10.4324/9781032667805-18. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The history and geographical vulnerability of Pakistan with regard to violent extremism (VE) and also the growing use of sport for development and peace (SDP) programmes in some Pakistani communities informed the need for this research. The government's VE preventive interventions have often taken a top-down approach. Also, in instances where civil society organisations are consulted or involved, the role of sport/SDP programmes is neglected despite its socially significant role in local communities and Pakistan as a whole. Given this gap, the study involved four SDP programme implementers and eight youth beneficiaries from two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) located in the Multan district of the Punjab province, where they operate in 27 local high-risk communities. The purpose of the study was to seek local perspectives about the factors considered when implementing SDP programmes in the high-risk local communities. Hedieh Mirahmadi's BRAVE Model was the theoretical tool used to analyse the factors that the organisations consider when they engage vulnerable youth from the targeted communities. Through a semi-structured in-depth interview and document analysis, the findings showed that sociological and psychological factors were the main considerations when executing SDP programmes. Other factors such as economics, political and ideologies, beliefs, and values were less emphasised. We also discussed the government's recent scrutiny of NGOs in Pakistan and its implication for sustaining SDP.
Charway, Derrick & Strandbu, Åse (2023). Participation of girls and women in community sport in Ghana: Cultural and structural barriers. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. ISSN 1012-6902. 59(4), p. 559–578. doi: 10.1177/10126902231214955. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Despite numerous international and national policy documents promoting girls’ and women's empowerment and participation in community sports, the actual access to sport for women and girls is still restricted in several countries. This paper explores the situation in Ghana. Through the analytical lens of Cooky and Messner’s theory of ‘the unevenness of social change’, we analyse the cultural and structural barriers that prevent girls and women from participating in sport in Ghanaian communities. The data material is document analysis, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with male and female officials representing state-funded regional and district sports organisations as well as non-state sports organisations in Ghana. The findings reveal that cultural barriers, rooted in deep-seated cultural norms and structural hindrances that undermine gender-inclusive policies, contribute to the limited participation of girls and women in community sport. Furthermore, the interplay between these cultural and structural factors leads to gender-specific practices and fewer women in leadership positions. Based on our analyses, we suggest that structural changes (enforcing and implementing gender policies) can result in cultural changes (positive gender equality outcomes) over time.
Charway, Derrick (2022). Olympism as an embodiment of universally shared values? Comparing the perception and application of Olympic values between college athlete and non-athlete students in Ghana. In Georgiadis, Konstantinos (Eds.), Olympic Studies : 28th International Seminar on Olympic Studies for Postgraduate Students. International Olympic Academy. ISSN 9789609454629. p. 99–111. doi: https:/drive.google.com/file/d/1AatXfdzdJvglGs9sI3aF_irCEf04n9c0/view. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The Olympic values education reflects the core essence of Olympism which interweaves sport and education as an integral component of the holistic development of humankind. The popularity and positive claims about the Olympic values education are globally commended and applied by governments, educators, NGOs and youth sport leaders. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception and application of the Olympic values among the youth of Ghana by drawing comparisons between college athlete and non-athlete students of Ghana who have been beneficiaries of the Olympic values education taught as part of the Physical Education curriculum in Senior High Schools of Ghana. The research sample included 440 college students (200 athletes and 240 non-athletes) between the ages of 19 and 30. Using the cross-sectional design, perception and application of the Olympic values were determined by using the Olympic Questionnaire developed by Telama et al. (2002). With regards to perception of Olympic values (i.e. four extracted values using factor analysis), the results showed that athletes scored significantly higher than non-athletes in the social virtues of Olympism (youth togetherness, better world, purity, and gentlemen’s behaviour), human values of Olympism (strength of will, tolerance towards other nations and moral principles), personal profit of professionalism (strength of will, tolerance towards other nations and moral principles) and striving towards growth/development (focus on maximum effort, joy of effort, physical capacity and cooperation). The research result also showed that, at the significant point value (p
Charway, Derrick; Antwi, Bright Baffour; Seippel, Ørnulf & Houlihan, Barrie (2022). Sport and sustainable social development in Ghana: analysing the policy-implementation gap. Sport in Society: Cultures, Commerce, Media, Politics. ISSN 1743-0437. 26(8), p. 1319–1339. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2022.2130051. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The global optimism for sport as ‘an important enabler of sustainable development’ by the United Nations appears in many countries’ policy documents. In Ghana, sport is linked to the social dimension of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But the acknowledgement of the potential of sport, in itself, cannot be the decisive evidence of deep commitment or successful implementation. The research analyses how sport partners (governmental and non-governmental) have been involved and resourced in implementing the government’s commitment to the community health and well-being policy. Qualitative data were derived from government policy documents, government officials and key actors from non-state sport organisations. Matland’s Ambiguity-Conflict Model was the theoretical framework used to analyse the policy-implementation link. The findings identified challenges in policy implementation associated with resources distribution, non-involvement of local implementing actors, football’s overbearing importance and legitimation of sport for development organisations. The impact of these challenges for sustainability were discussed.
Charway, Derrick (2021). Football leadership and public value in Ghana. In Andersen, Svein S; Hansen, Per Øystein & Houlihan, Barrie (Ed.), Embedded Multi-Level Leadership in Elite Sport. Routledge. ISSN 9780367552770. p. 205–220. doi: 10.4324/9781003092728-12. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This chapter is about how the national football association of Ghana worked to restore its legitimacy within the Ghanaian society. It addresses the importance of building national identity. Popular mobilisation prompted the government to take action against corrupt leadership in the national football association. Their success reflects their ability to create an alliance between the Federation of International Football Associations and the Confederation of African Football. This is an example of multi-level leadership involving popular protest, government and different levels of governance within the international football confederation.
Charway, Derrick & Houlihan, Barrie (2020). Country profile of Ghana: sport, politics and nation-building. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics. ISSN 1940-6940. 12(3), p. 497–512. doi: 10.1080/19406940.2020.1775677. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The profile gives an overview of the changing trends of sport policies adopted in Ghana and highlights how past political upheavals made it difficult to have stable sport development strategies. Currently, the emergence of different actors within the sport policy sub-system of Ghana is apparent however the reliance on government for the development of sport makes it difficult to decouple party politics from sport development strategy. The profile begins with a detailed account of the emergence of sport from pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial traditions in the history of Ghana. This is followed by an analysis of the current structure of sport and funding patterns and trends. The dominance of football and contemporary issues such as migration, gender equality and disability are also discussed in terms of their impact on policy. The final part highlights the nascent ‘sport for development’ sector in relation to the United Nation’s MDGs and SDGs and how they have influenced sport policy and development in Ghana.

View all works in NVA

Charway, Derrick; Asif, Umair & Gadais, Tegwen (2026). Milestones model for Sport for Development and Peace: Proposing and Validating Analytical Frameworks to Map and Understand Uses. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2026). Discussion - Sport for Development and ‘Peace’. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2026). Unequal road: Agency, aspiration, and migration in the sporting journeys of Ghanaian female athletes. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2025). The Contested Terrain of Sport for Development & ‘Peace’. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2025). Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) in Palestine. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2025). Women’s Health & Welfare: Equal Opportunities to Participate in Sport. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2025). A Network Analysis of Transnational Partnership Evolution: Implications for Sustainability in Sport and Development. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick & Asif, Umair (2025). Important handbook that takes a broad approach to its subject without losing analytical depth. Idrottsforum.org - Nordic Sport Studies Forum. doi: https:/idrottsforum.org/chader_schulenkorfetal250123/. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2024). Sport for Development and Peace. Full text in Research Archive
Asif, Umair; Charway, Derrick; Decarpentrie, Laurie & Gadais, Tegwen (2024). The success of an adaptive sport program in Pakistan has lessons for inclusivity in Canada. doi: https:/theconversation.com/the-success-of-an-adaptive-sport-program-in-pakistan-has-lessons-for-inclusivity-in-canada-230644. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Almost 350,000 people live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Pakistan. Many face exclusion from education and social activities and opportunities for education and sports are rare for them. In addition, social stigma leads to further discrimination and social exclusion. ASD is a complex developmental disability that includes a broad spectrum of conditions. It is characterized by difficulties in social communication and interactions, along with restricted and repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. The Lahore-based Kafka Welfare Organization, founded by the lead author of this article, uses adapted sports, games and physical activities to support the social development of youth and children with ASD from low-income areas. The project aimed to break barriers that excluded children with disabilities from participating in sports and addressed the lack of sporting opportunities for them. It also offers some valuable lessons for supporting accessible and inclusive sports in Canada.
Asif, Umair; Charway, Derrick & Gadais, Tegwen (2024). Sport for Development and Peace Program of the Kafka Welfare Organization Based in Pakistan: An Inquiry Study. doi: https:/deporte.unam.mx/images/libro1/mobile/index.html. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2024). A highly recommended resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to sport management. idrottsforum.org/artiklar. doi: https:/idrottsforum.org/chader_pedersen241112/#_ftn1. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick & Traberg, Josephine (2024). Successful attempt to develop understanding of the various aspects of sport development. idrottsforum.org/artiklar. doi: https:/idrottsforum.org/chader_sherryetal241127/. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2023). Unpacking cultural diversity in sport management. idrottsforum.org/artiklar. doi: https:/idrottsforum.org/chader_zhang-pitts230524/. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2023). Important study provides context to the concept of sport-for-development. idrottsforum.org/artiklar. doi: https:/idrottsforum.org/chader_darnelletal230207/. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2022). Leave no one behind? Analysing the implementation of inclusion sport policies for disabled people in Ghana’s district sport units. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2022). Participation of girls & women in community sport in Ghana: Barriers and Dilemmas. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2021). Sport and sustainable social development in Ghana: Analysing the policy-implementation gap. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2019). Development through Sport in Ghana: Towards Sport Policy Coherence for Development. Full text in Research Archive
Charway, Derrick (2024). Sustainable Development Goals through Sport: An Analysis of Policy Implementation in Ghana. Norges idrettshøgskole. ISSN 9788250206236. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction: The explicit mention of sport as an enabler for sustainable development in the United Nations’ Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development policy document marked a significant development milestone. This prompted several governments to partner with relevant stakeholders in order to incorporate sport into their development plans. In Ghana, like in many countries, sport policies are identified as social development objectives linked to specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nevertheless, acknowledging or recognising the potential of sport does not, in itself, constitute conclusive evidence of a deep commitment or successful implementation in local communities. Aim: The primary aim of this study is to analyse the policy goals and implementations of state and non-state sport organisations in Ghana and the extent to which they contribute to national development. To this end, this study addresses three of the 17 SDGs: healthy living (SDG 3), gender equality and girls’ and women’s empowerment (SDG 5), and disability (SDG 10). Theoretical framework: Two levels of theories were used to analyse the policy and implementation of the SDGs through sport in local Ghanaian communities. (a) As a starting point, macro-level theories of the state – such as themes on state power, neo-pluralism, and neo-institutionalism – helped to explain how the SDGs were translated into national sport policies. (b) Furthermore, three specific theories that underpin implementation involving different actors were used as the primary analytical frameworks: Matland’s ambiguityconflict model, Cooky and Messner’s socio-structural perspective and the Rhodes and Marsh’s policy network theory were used to analyse the implementation of healthy living, girls’ and women’s participation in community sport and sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities, respectively. These theories point to barriers and social mechanisms operative in the processes of implementing sport and SDGs (healthy living, gender, and disability) within Ghanaian communities. Methodology: The case study methodology is based on qualitative data collected from authorities that design and implement policy, regional sports directors, representatives from District Sports Units (DSUs), national sports federations/associations officials and representatives from organisations that use sport as a tool for development and peace. In total, 52 participants participated in semi-structured interviews (n=25) and focus group discussions (n=27). In addition, the document analysis of sports policies and other relevant documents was conducted to complement the semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with the research participants. Key point to note: DSUs work closely with regional sport offices and are funded by district assemblies. Findings: The findings show the complexity of the policy implementation nexus concerning sport and the SDGs in Ghana. They are presented in five articles that address various aspects of the main research questions. The findings of Articles 1 and 2 concern the translation of the SDGs into national sport policy guidelines. Articles 3, 4, and 5 focus on the implementation of healthy living, girls’ and women’s participation in community sport, and sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities within Ghanaian communities, respectively. Conclusion: The aim of this study is to analyse the policies and implementation of sustainability goals through sports organisations in Ghana. Significantly, the findings of the study show that Ghana’s government policies regarding sport for sustainable development are clearly formulated and widely promoted, echoing trends in Zambia and other nations. Across the five articles, the study reveals four significant concerns encompassing politics, sociocultural dynamics, organisational conditions and institutional frameworks. All of these significantly undermine policy outcomes and hinder the effective implementation of sport and SDGs in Ghana. Entrenched within the four are notable social mechanisms comprising the following: politics – skewed allocation of sport funds towards football; socio-cultural dynamics – patriarchal nature of Ghanaian society, religious beliefs and entrenched perceptions of gender roles, attitudes towards persons with disabilities and pervasive football culture; organisation conditions – lack of sufficient funds, qualified sports leaders and women in leadership roles; institutional frameworks – absence of clear policy implementation guidelines, non-inclusive policy making process and limited legitimacy of SDP organisations. These challenges compromise Ghana’s commitment to using sports as a tool for sustainable development. To this end, it is essential to conduct a rigorous assessment of local needs and in order to consult with state and non-state actors, including those at the district and regional levels.