In a significant show of inter-agency collaboration, the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the National Youth Authority (NYA) have signaled a unified commitment to advancing the government’s youth-centric “Reset Agenda.” This commitment was underscored during a high-profile engagement at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, which took place as part of the 2026 National Youth Month celebrations.
The meeting brought together two of the government’s most dynamic appointees: Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director-General of the NSA, and Osman Abdulai Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the NYA. Both were appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to lead their respective authorities in fulfilling a mandate of national transformation.
The event, which featured an Inter-Agency Football Gala, served as a platform for the two leaders to explore future collaborations and opportunities that could be mutually beneficial. Discussions focused on leveraging sports as a vehicle for youth development, aligning with President Mahama’s vision that “sports and recreation are integral to Ghana’s reset agenda because they promote national unity, discipline, and youth employment”.
Mr. Ampofo Ankrah, a former broadcast journalist who took office in March 2025, commended the NYA for its proactive role in promoting physical activity among the youth. He has been a vocal advocate for grassroots sports development, recently describing the planned Constituency Games as “potentially the biggest intervention in Ghana’s sports sector since independence,” designed to unearth talent across all 275 constituencies. His tenure has also been marked by efforts to transform sports infrastructure, including the ongoing renovation of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch.
The condition of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch was a key point of discussion during the tour. The NSA Director-General has previously defended the pitch renovation, stating that the exercise was necessary to remove weeds and restore the natural grass to excellent condition for competitive football. The recent improvements to the facility, which have reinforced confidence in the NSA’s management, were acknowledged by the NYA representatives during their visit.
On his part, Mr. Ayariga, who leads the NYA, has been at the forefront of designing programs that engage young people. He recently unveiled an extensive program of activities for National Youth Month, including community service, youth conferences, parliamentary sittings, and anti-drug campaigns. He emphasized that these activities are “not mere calendar events” but are “purposefully designed to build responsible leadership and encourage active citizenship”.
The collaboration between the NSA and the NYA is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the “Reset Agenda” delivers tangible results for Ghana’s youth. By combining the NSA’s expertise in sports infrastructure and development with the NYA’s reach in youth mobilization and empowerment, the two agencies aim to create a holistic approach to generational development. This partnership aligns with broader government initiatives, such as the establishment of a School Sports Authority and the National Recreation and Wellness Programme, all aimed at promoting active lifestyles and identifying young talent.
As the National Youth Month celebrations continue, the collaboration between Comrades Ampofo Ankrah and Ayariga stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to putting the youth at the center of national development.
