Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commended the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports for a series of bold reforms implemented in 2025, describing them as critical steps toward resetting Ghana’s sports sector.
During her visit to the Ministry on Wednesday, Hon. Kofi Adams, the sector Minister, presented a detailed account of achievements under the Government’s Reset Agenda and shared the Ministry’s roadmap for 2026.
The Minister highlighted enhanced safety measures introduced after the Ghana Premier League was suspended in February 2025 following the tragic death of a supporter at a Nsoatreman FC match. Working with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry conducted nationwide safety audits, tightened matchday security protocols, and deployed a dedicated Sports Police Unit.
Significant progress was also made in boxing governance with the establishment of a Normalisation Committee in September 2025 and the introduction of Ghana’s first comprehensive combat sports medical and safety protocol, featuring digital records, mandatory screenings, ringside medical support, and insurance coverage.
Hon. Adams noted that Government cleared over USD 904,000 in arrears owed to Black Stars coaches in May 2025, restoring trust and contractual discipline. In July, the Ministry secured a broadcast partnership with Adesa Productions, disbursed GH₵1 million to each Premier League club, provided equipment support, and increased the champions’ prize money to GH₵2 million.
Cost efficiencies saw Black Stars international assignment expenses drop from USD 2 million to USD 1.3 million per two-match window, yielding savings of over 35% through performance-based budgeting.
A major legislative milestone was the passage of the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, approved by Cabinet in October, passed by Parliament on December 18, and assented to as Act 1159. Leadership has been appointed to activate the fund for infrastructure, grassroots programmes, elite training, and athlete welfare.
The National Sports Authority has rolled out a Stadium Maintenance Manual, upgraded booking systems, installed pitch protection panels at the Accra Sports Stadium, and boosted support for major events and sports tourism.
For 2026, the Ministry is gearing up for high-profile competitions including FIFA World Cup qualifiers, WAFCON, Youth Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Senior Athletics Championships, and African Armwrestling Championships.
Infrastructure priorities include starting construction on three of eight planned new stadia, ongoing renovations, public-private partnership management of the Borteyman facility, and a national policy framework for astro-turfs and Youth Resource Centres. The Minister flagged the need for timely fund releases, policy clarity on Youth Resource Centres, tax waivers on equipment, and VAT reforms to meet global standards.
Responding, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang thanked the Minister for the thorough briefing and praised the team’s dedication, particularly recognising the contributions of behind-the-scenes staff. She stressed the importance of human-centred leadership, athlete wellness, robust security, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
She encouraged the Ministry to pursue innovative, sustainable funding mechanisms and to adopt a structured annual plan with quarterly targets for greater accountability.
“Your achievements are commendable,” the Vice President said. “My office stands ready to support you as we use sports to elevate Ghana’s global image and create lasting opportunities for our youth.”
