Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says that proper funding will be very important for Ghana to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, February 19, the Buem MP asked for the Sports Fund Bill to be passed quickly. He said it is needed to improve sports in Ghana and help the country’s economy.
With the World Cup starting in June, Adams said money will be important to help the Black Stars prepare well for the tournament.
“Ghana has qualified for the World Cup; funding will be a key part of our participation, and it is in that spirit, Mr Speaker, I make this statement,” he said.
The minister said that laws alone cannot grow sports. Real progress needs commitment and proper funding. He pointed out that the world’s sports industry is worth over 500 billion dollars, but African countries earn very little from it.
“Laws alone do not fund sports; commitment does,” Adams said. “Globally, the sports industry is worth over USD 500 billion, but in Africa, sports make less than 0.5% of GDP in most countries, not because we lack talent or passion, but because we do not have a proper funding system for our ambitions.”
He said the Ghana Sports Fund would give a clear and reliable way to support sports across the country.
“The Ghana Sports Fund gives us that system,” he added. “It sets up a transparent way to help build facilities, support school and grassroots sports, train top athletes, provide welfare, and promote recreation.”
Adams also said the National Investment Bank has given GH¢100,000 to the fund, and he and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor have made personal contributions.
Ghana are in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will start their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, play England on June 23, and finish the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
By: Pascal Amoah
