Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Ghana. As a result, most children dream of playing the sport professionally but the Marnah Ashley brothers are trying to change the narrative.

The brothers have dominated swimming at the junior level in Ghana in the last two years. The talented swimmers swept 7 medals at the Presidents Cup which was held two months ago at the University of Ghana Swimming Pool, Legon.

Francis Marnah Ashley won gold in 100m breaststroke, silver medal in 100m freestyle and bronze medal in 50m breaststroke.

Jesse Marnah Ashley also won a silver medal in 100m breaststroke and a bronze medal in relay with Lord Marnah Ashley winning a silver medal in 100m freestyle and a bronze medal in 200m freestyle.

The three brothers, who train with GH Dolphins, were once again triumphant after picking up a combined 25 medals at the Ghana Swim Meet of Champions competition.

The two-day event which took place from July 1-2, 2023 at the Burma Camp Sports Complex saw Jesse Marnah Ashley win 4 silver and 5 bronze, Francis Marnah Ashley won 2 silver and 4 bronze while Lord Marnah Ashley also won 8 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.

The brothers hope to follow the steps of Abeiku Jackson by representing Ghana on the world stage in the next five years.

‘’In the next five years, we want to be at the top level of swimming and participate in any swimming competition that involves Ghanaians and projecting Ghana so that we'll be proud of ourselves,’’ they told Joy Sports.

Their father and trainer, David Marnah Ashley is thrilled with the development of his children.

‘’I’m really proud of them because it’s been two years since they started swimming and they are doing really well. They’ve won medals in every competition they’ve participated in and as a father, I should be proud of them. We’ve achieved 32 medals in about 6 months and that fills me with pride. They are not just winning medals, they are dropping their times also and I’m happy.

“I didn’t choose this sport for them but since it’s a choice they made, it’s my responsibility to support them with everything I’ve got to ensure they achieve their dream of one day standing on the podium on the world stage. I’m happy the little one, Lord Marnah Ashley is now the record holder in Ghana with 11 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze at age 11,” he added.

Despite holding a CAF License D football coaching certificate from the Ghana Football Association, David is happy his children chose swimming and has urged parents to allow their kids to pursue their dreams.

‘’My little advice to parents is to give the kids a chance because they can do it. Don’t give up on them, together we can change the story of this country with swimming and not just football alone so parents should not give up on their kids but rather give them the best that they can because one day these kids will make us proud,’’ he said.

He concluded by making a plea to the public to support his kids to become the swimmers they aspire to be.

‘’I'm appealing to the public, individuals and corporate bodies. I need sponsorship to help fulfil the dreams of these children. I will do my part but I'll need support to help take these kids to the next level’’

The Marnah Ashley brothers will be in action again from July 15-16, 2023 for the City swimming competition at the Bukom arena in Accra.