Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Benjamin Sangmuah, also known as Ben or Benji Sangmuah, is a Ghanaian-born Canadian professional football player who plays as a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on May 30, 2003, in Takoradi, Ghana, Sangmuah moved to Canada with his family during childhood and grew up in Scarborough, Ontario.
He played university football for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds before being selected by the Edmonton Elks in the second round of the 2026 CFL Draft, with the 12th overall pick.
Beyond football, Sangmuah comes from a family that places considerable importance on education, professional achievement and hard work. His father built a career in the mining industry after earning an MBA, while his mother pursued accounting in Canada. He also has a younger sister named Aliza Sangmuah.
Although several details about his upbringing and family background are publicly documented, information about his romantic relationships and children remains limited.
Who Is Benjamin Sangmuah’s Girlfriend?
Benjamin Sangmuah has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend, wife or romantic partner through reliable interviews, official football biographies or established sports publications.
Most of the information available about the Edmonton Elks defensive back focuses on his football development, university career and transition to professional football.
During an August 2025 interview with journalist Howard Tsumura of Varsity Letters, Sangmuah discussed his upbringing, his parents’ sacrifices and the importance of leadership.
He also spoke about conversations with NFL scouts who asked questions about his work ethic, personality and approach to teamwork.
However, the interview did not identify a girlfriend or wife.
Consequently, there is insufficient reliable information to determine whether Sangmuah is currently single, dating someone or married.
Does Benjamin Sangmuah Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Benjamin Sangmuah has any children.
His official University of British Columbia athletics biography, Edmonton Elks announcements and available interviews do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Sangmuah has openly discussed his immediate family and the influence of his parents, he has not publicly provided reliable information about fatherhood.
Therefore, whether he has children remains unconfirmed.
Who Are Benjamin Sangmuah’s Parents?
Benjamin Sangmuah was born in Takoradi, Ghana, before relocating to Canada with his parents when he was approximately four years old.
Both parents pursued educational and professional opportunities after moving to Canada, establishing successful careers while raising Benjamin and his younger sister.
In an August 25, 2025, article published by Varsity Letters, Sangmuah spoke about their determination and the example they set for their children.
However, the article did not identify either parent by name.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Father
Although Benjamin Sangmuah’s father’s name has not been publicly verified, details about his educational and professional background have been documented.
According to Varsity Letters, his father earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
After completing his education, he established a successful career in the mining industry.
His professional journey was especially meaningful because he had relocated from Ghana to Canada while supporting his family’s transition to a new country.
Benjamin has credited his father’s determination and work ethic as important influences on his personal development.
During his 2025 interview, he explained that watching his parents pursue their ambitions encouraged him to continue working harder, even after achieving important goals.
His father’s example helped shape his belief that personal development requires consistency, discipline and a willingness to continue learning.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Mother
Benjamin Sangmuah’s mother also has a documented professional background, although her name has not been reliably established through available public sources.
According to the August 2025 Varsity Letters feature, she pursued additional education at the University of Toronto after the family relocated from Ghana.
She completed the courses needed to continue working as an accountant in Canada.
Her determination to maintain her professional career while adapting to a new country became an important example for her children.
Benjamin has spoken appreciatively about both parents and the sacrifices they made to provide educational and professional opportunities for the family.
He has explained that their example motivates him to maintain high expectations for himself, both on and off the football field.
Does Benjamin Sangmuah Have Siblings?
Yes. Benjamin Sangmuah has a younger sister named Aliza Sangmuah.
Her identity was confirmed in the August 25, 2025, Varsity Letters article about Benjamin’s upbringing and development as a university football player.
The report identified Aliza as his younger sister and explained that both children were raised by their parents after the family moved from Ghana to Canada.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Younger Sister: Aliza Sangmuah
Aliza Sangmuah is the younger sister of Edmonton Elks defensive back Benjamin Sangmuah.
She grew up in Canada with her older brother after their parents relocated from Ghana during Benjamin’s early childhood.
The siblings were raised in a household where education, professional ambition and hard work were emphasized.
Their father pursued a career in mining after earning an MBA, while their mother continued her accounting career.
Although Aliza’s relationship to Benjamin is publicly documented, additional details about her age, education, occupation and personal life have not been reliably established.
She maintains a relatively private public profile compared with her professional football-playing brother.
Does Benjamin Sangmuah Have a Brother?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Benjamin Sangmuah has a brother.
The available Varsity Letters reporting identifies his younger sister, Aliza, but does not mention any brothers.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to conclude that he has no additional siblings without further reliable confirmation.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Family Member: Leroy Ackom
Another important figure in Benjamin Sangmuah’s football journey is Leroy Ackom, a family member who helped introduce him to organized football.
According to Varsity Letters, Ackom was involved in coaching at the Football North program based at Clarkson High School in Mississauga, Ontario.
After Benjamin completed Grade 12, Ackom encouraged him to consider playing football.
At the time, Sangmuah had demonstrated athletic ability through track and hockey but had never played organized football.
With encouragement from Ackom, he joined Football North and began learning the fundamentals of the sport.
He initially trained as a wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback.
Despite his lack of experience, Sangmuah quickly developed into a promising defensive player.
His progress eventually attracted attention from the University of British Columbia.
Although Ackom’s exact family relationship to Benjamin was not specified in the report, his influence was important in helping Sangmuah begin his football career.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Family Background and Early Life
Benjamin Sangmuah was born in Takoradi, a coastal city in Ghana, on May 30, 2003.
When he was approximately four years old, his family moved to Canada, eventually settling in Scarborough, Ontario.
His parents pursued their careers while raising Benjamin and his younger sister, Aliza.
During childhood, Benjamin participated in several sports, including track and field and hockey.
He attended Sir Oliver Mowat Secondary School in Scarborough, where he developed his athletic abilities.
Although he was interested in football during high school, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted opportunities to participate.
After graduating, he was encouraged by family member Leroy Ackom to join the Football North program at Clarkson High School.
Sangmuah began playing organized football in 2021, initially experimenting with the wide receiver position before becoming a defensive back.
He later joined the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, beginning his university football career in 2022.
At UBC, Sangmuah developed into a versatile defender capable of playing cornerback, free safety and linebacker.
His physical development was particularly impressive. According to a 2025 Varsity Letters feature, he increased his weight from approximately 165 pounds to more than 205 pounds during his university career.
His athleticism and versatility attracted attention from professional football scouts on both sides of the Canada-United States border.
Benjamin Sangmuah’s Professional Football Career
During his four seasons with the University of British Columbia, Sangmuah appeared in 41 games and recorded 162 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five interceptions and 29 passes defended.
He also demonstrated impressive speed during his university pro day, running the 40-yard dash in approximately 4.44 seconds.
His performances attracted interest from several NFL organizations.
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, Sangmuah accepted an invitation to participate in the Indianapolis Colts’ rookie minicamp.
On April 28, 2026, the Edmonton Elks selected him in the second round of the CFL Canadian Draft, with the 12th overall pick.
The selection made him the highest-drafted University of British Columbia football player since Lake Korte-Moore was selected third overall in 2023.
He officially signed with Edmonton on May 11, 2026.
Although a knee injury affected the early part of his rookie season, Sangmuah eventually made his CFL regular-season debut in September 2026.
His transition to professional football represented a significant achievement for an athlete who began playing organized football only a few years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin Sangmuah’s Family
Who is Benjamin Sangmuah’s girlfriend?
Benjamin Sangmuah has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through reliable interviews or official football biographies.
Is Benjamin Sangmuah married?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Benjamin Sangmuah is married.
Does Benjamin Sangmuah have children?
There is no reliable public information establishing whether Benjamin Sangmuah has any sons or daughters.
Who is Benjamin Sangmuah’s father?
His father’s name has not been publicly verified. However, Varsity Letters reported that his father earned an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and established a career in the mining industry.
Who is Benjamin Sangmuah’s mother?
His mother’s name has not been publicly established. She pursued further education at the University of Toronto to continue her accounting career after relocating from Ghana.
Who is Benjamin Sangmuah’s sister?
Benjamin Sangmuah’s younger sister is Aliza Sangmuah, according to an August 2025 Varsity Letters interview.
Does Benjamin Sangmuah have a brother?
There is no verified public information confirming whether Benjamin Sangmuah has a brother.
Who is Leroy Ackom?
Leroy Ackom is a family member who encouraged Benjamin Sangmuah to begin playing football after high school. He was involved with the Football North coaching program.
Where was Benjamin Sangmuah born?
Benjamin Sangmuah was born in Takoradi, Ghana, on May 30, 2003.
When did Benjamin Sangmuah move to Canada?
Benjamin moved to Canada with his family when he was approximately four years old and grew up in Scarborough, Ontario.
Where did Benjamin Sangmuah play university football?
Benjamin Sangmuah played university football for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds from 2022 through 2025.
What team does Benjamin Sangmuah play for?
Benjamin Sangmuah plays as a defensive back for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
