Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, announced that his ministry is on the verge of establishing a Sports Fund aimed at bolstering financial support for athletes and sports development in the country.
The initiative is designed to reduce the reliance on what Adams humorously referred to as “spiritual blessings” for athletes, emphasizing a shift toward tangible financial backing to enhance performance and welfare.
Speaking to the media, Adams highlighted the fund’s potential to address longstanding challenges in Ghanaian sports, such as inadequate funding for training, infrastructure, and athlete welfare.
The Sports Fund is expected to provide a structured mechanism to support both mainstream and lesser-known sports, aligning with Adams’ commitment to promoting underrepresented disciplines like armwrestling and flying disc sports.
He previously indicated that the fund could involve voluntary contributions from individuals, suggesting a collaborative approach to financing sports development.
The announcement comes amid Adams’ broader efforts to revitalize Ghana’s sports sector since his appointment as the first Minister for Sports and Recreation in February 2025.
During a meeting with the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) on May 13, 2025, Adams reiterated his vision for increased transparency, stakeholder engagement, and investment in sports infrastructure.
The minister has also engaged with various sports federations, promising quarterly reviews to ensure progress and accountability.
While specific details about the Sports Fund’s structure, funding sources, and timeline remain undisclosed, Adams’ proactive steps—such as launching Ghana’s first sports psychology course and supporting boxing and armwrestling—signal a comprehensive approach to sports reform.
The fund is seen as a critical step toward fulfilling Adams’ pledge to restore the glory of Ghanaian sports, including ambitious promises like first-class travel for the Black Stars if they win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the initiative has sparked calls for transparency. Sports presenter Delali Atiase recently demanded public disclosure of budgets, reflecting public sentiment for accountability in sports funding.
Adams has defended non-disclosure in some cases, citing potential distractions for athletes, but the Sports Fund’s success may hinge on addressing such concerns.
The establishment of the Sports Fund marks a pivotal moment for Ghanaian sports, with the potential to transform athlete support and elevate the nation’s global sporting profile.
As the ministry finalizes plans, stakeholders await further details on how the fund will be implemented and sustained.
