The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has begun engaging stakeholders in the sports industry by first meeting with the heads and representatives of various sports federations and associations in Accra on Monday, 5th May 2025.
The meeting marked the maiden stakeholder engagement by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation under the leadership of Kofi Adams.
In his keynote address to set the tone for open and constructive interactions among participants, the Minister expressed his desire to engage stakeholders on a regular basis, believing that this is the best way to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sports ecosystem.
He noted that it was important to introduce himself and his staff, who have been appointed to help steer the sports sector and ensure its growth.
“Since my appointment in recent months, several other crucial appointments have been made,” he stated.
He underscored the need for collaboration among national federations, adding that some federations could learn valuable lessons from others that are better structured—citing the Ghana Football Association as an example of a well-organised body.
“The trajectory of the Ghana football ecosystem should serve as an example for all of us,” he noted.
The Minister also expressed the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, to complete all unfinished sports infrastructure projects.
To support the federations, the Minister announced plans to establish a regular schedule of quarterly meetings to review progress on agreed points.
Presentations were made by the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) on the regulatory framework for sports development, promotion, and regulation.
During his presentation, he stated that the NSA would partner with sports journalists and media outlets to create monthly spotlight features on various disciplines and athletes.
For his part, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Richard Akpokavie, said that sports are not only about medals and victories but also about fair competition, respect for rules, and serving as role models for the next generation.
According to him, the GOC, as a leader in Ghana’s sports community, represents the federations responsible for athlete development, training, and welfare.
He added that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, as the government’s representative, has a major role to play in the fight against doping.
Responding to concerns raised by some federation members—primarily regarding inadequate funding—the Chief Director of the Ministry assured them of the Ministry’s efforts to operationalize the Sports Fund, which is currently under review by Cabinet. He expressed confidence that its eventual approval would help address many of the federations’ concerns.