As Minister for Sports and Recreation, I recently held a high-level engagement with the leadership of various Sports Federations under the theme "Revitalizing Ghana Sports: Building a Sustainable Sports Ecosystem." This engagement marks a crucial step in aligning stakeholders toward a common vision—one that is bold, practical, and forward-looking.
This gathering of minds and ambitions was not only a call to action, but also a continuation of the transformative path outlined in President John Dramani
Sports Agenda Reset—a comprehensive framework aimed at repositioning sports as a vital pillar of national development, youth empowerment, and international excellence.
The Mahama Sports Agenda Reset: A New Beginning
At the heart of our discussions was the need to reimagine Ghana’s sports landscape in alignment with President Mahama’s visionary reset. His agenda places sports at the center of youth development, health, job creation, and national pride. It calls for the modernization of infrastructure, institutional reform, decentralization of sports administration, and the prioritization of grassroots talent development across all regions.
Our engagement served as a platform to begin putting this agenda into action—step by step, policy by policy, and in partnership with the federations who serve as the engine room of Ghanaian sports.
Key Pillars of the Engagement
Institutional Reform and Oversight
I emphasized the importance of streamlining governance across the sector. This includes re-defining the roles of the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and the federations. Clear oversight mechanisms and a functional chain ofcommand are essential to ensure responsibility, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve performance across all levels.
National Sports Fund & Federation Classification
A major highlight was the discussion on operationalizing the National Sports Fund as a reliable, transparent, and performance-based financing tool. We also proposed a classification model to group federations based on their achievements, needs, and potential. This will guide equitable resource allocation and incentivize growth across both mainstream and lesser-known sports disciplines.
Infrastructure Development
In line with the Mahama agenda, I shared plans to develop modern, multipurpose sports facilities across regions—ensuring access for youth and communities. Public-private partnerships will be crucial for construction, maintenance, and sustainability.
Financial Innovation and Sustainability
I encouraged federations to build independent revenue models—through sponsorships, partnerships, grants, and merchandising. Government support will continue, but transparency, innovation, and self-reliance will be the foundation of long-term success.
School Sports and Talent Development
I announced our intention to roll out a National School Sports Policy that integrates physical education and inter-school competitions into the national curriculum. This will serve as a pipeline for grassroots development and talent nurturing—creating clear pathways from schoolyard to stadium
The Road Ahead: National Sports Summit & Policy Reform
This engagement sets the tone for broader reform. As part of President Mahama’s agenda, we are preparing to host a National Sports Summit, where we will finalize the National Sports Development Policy—a document that will guide policy implementation and secure a long-term blueprint for success
Conclusion
The spirit of collaboration and readiness I witnessed during the engagement was deeply inspiring. As Minister, I am committed to working closely with all federations to bring about real, measurable change.
Together, guided by the Mahama Sports Agenda Reset, we will transform Ghana into a continental sports powerhouse—rooted in professionalism, powered by youth, and inspired by national pride.
