Ghanaian-American NFL linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, plays for the Cleveland Browns and has made a name for himself both on and off the football field. Most recently he was awarded the most stylish NFL player by GQ Magazine. He has fans around the world who have admiration for him because he is showcasing African culture through his fashion choices when walking through the stadium and on his social media.
He recently returned to Ghana to continue with his annual NKWA football camp which took place March 2-3, 2024 at Eden Heights Sports Complex. Through his NKWA Ghana Camp, Owusu-Koramoah aims to develop a strong culture of athleticism, teamwork, and leadership among Ghanaian youth, utilising the power of sports as a catalyst for positive change. NKWA is an acronym for Natural, Knowledge, Wisdom and Affirmation. All elements he uses in the camp to teach skills to young people.
In partnership with GUBA Enterprise, Owusu-Koramoah brought a delegation with him that included friends, teammates, coaches and family to experience Ghana and participate in this important camp that would provide a platform for young athletes across the country to hone their skills, learn valuable lessons and forge lifelong friendships.
The camp aligns with the Beyond the Return campaign’s ‘Give Back Ghana’ pillar which focuses on identifying initiatives that connect the diaspora and Ghana through acts of service that give back to the community. This camp connected the youth with professional athletes who shared skills for the betterment of young Ghanaians.
Owusu-Koramoah, who rose to fame in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, expressed his deep-seated connection to Ghana and his determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of its youth. “Ghana has always been a part of me, and I am honoured to give back to the community,” remarked Owusu-Koramoah. Through the NKWA Ghana Camp, he hopes to instil confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose in these athletes.
The camp featured a series of intensive training sessions led by Owusu-Koramoah himself, along with experienced players, coaches and mentors including; Matthew Adams (Cleveland Browns), David Bell (Cleveland Browns), Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns), Navarro Price (Virginia Union University), Ogbo Okoronkow (Cleveland Browns), David Grimes (Coaching), Kyle Wimberly, Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns), Asmar Bilal (NFL Free Agent), Brandon Marshall (Super Bowl 50 Champion), and Elijah Moore (Cleveland Browns). From mastering the fundamentals of football to engaging in team-building exercises, the participants embraced each challenge with unwavering determination and enthusiasm.
Beyond the athletic drills, the NKWA Ghana Camp emphasised the importance of education and personal development. Participants were encouraged to prioritise academic, spiritual and physical excellence and pursue their dreams both on and off the field. The camp teaches them that sports is not just about winning games; it’s about building character and resilience. Owusu-Koramoah said he wants these kids to know that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
As the NKWA Ghana Camp drew to a close, participants competed in a flag football tournament using the skills they learned over the two days. The teams were all named after a significant person in history from Africa and the African diaspora with team names including; Queen Nanny (Jamaica), Sanite Belair (Haiti), Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Marcus Garvey (Jamaica), Amilcar Cabral (Cape Verde/Guinea Bissaue), Mansa Musa (Mali), Imhotep (Egypt), Patrice Lumumba (DRC), Ida B. Wells (US) and Yaa Asantewaa (Ghana).
Team Yaa Asantewaa, led by Owusu-Koramoah himself, were crowned champions of the day! Awards were given to recognize those who excelled and words of wisdom were shared for the participants to take away. The experience served as a transformative moment for all the players.
Looking ahead, Owusu-Koramoah remains committed to supporting the youth of Ghana and empowering them to reach their full potential. Through initiatives like the NKWA Ghana Camp, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy of positivity and inspiration for generations to come.
