Ghana’s new Minister for Sports activities and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, was formally sworn in as substantive minister by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, February 7, 2025.
However he had engaged the media numerous occasions when he was nominated and even earlier than that, to define his plans for the sector. Moreover, Adams answered to the satisfaction of many when he was quizzed by former Sports activities Minister Mustapha Ussif throughout his vetting.
So, what are some issues Adams has pledged, promised, or stated he would do now that he has taken cost on the Sports activities and Recreation Ministry?
Pulse Ghana highlights 5 of Adams’ key pledges and calls:
Requires African Video games Expenditure Probe
Adams known as for a parliamentary investigation into the expenditures associated to Ghana’s internet hosting of the thirteenth Africa Video games.
The nation reportedly spent greater than $245 million on the occasion, with $195 million going for infrastructure, $15 million for athlete meals over the competitors’s 15 days, and $48 million for working bills. The Native Organising Committee (LOC) defended this spending.
This, he assured the ninth parliament will look into. He’s quoted as saying:
I bear in mind in Parliament, points have been raised about it. The one unlucky factor is that we couldn’t take the report of the… committee that went into trying into areas of sports activities earlier than the eighth Parliament terminated.
However the ninth Parliament is again, and we are able to see what we are able to do about that report, whether or not will probably be re-tabled or the problems could possibly be referred to the committee once more, after which they may take a look at it and resubmit it for consideration.
Pledges to revive sports activities
He pledged to revive the country’s sporting legacy and restore its dominance in varied disciplines.
Talking earlier than the Vetting Committee, Adams highlighted his dedication to reversing Ghana’s latest decline in sports activities, significantly in boxing, athletics, and soccer.
We shall be investing closely within the different sports activities the place we used to take action nicely, like boxing and athletics.
Compensation for native gamers
Adams revealed to the Appointments Committee that discussions are underway to secure financial support for gamers within the Ghana Premier League.
Low wages have lengthy been a problem within the league, prompting many gamers to hunt alternatives overseas, which has led to the lack of a number of proficient people and negatively impacted the competitors’s high quality.
We talked about giving them allowances so we are able to retain a variety of our gamers. A few of them depart the shores of this nation to play in war-torn international locations simply because their earnings are so low. The entire thought is to retain gamers by giving them stipends. We predict it’s going to go a good distance to enhance the league.
Scholarship for athletes
Adams assured Ghanaians that his tenure will prioritize scholarships and alternatives for younger athletes.
Talking earlier than the Appointment Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025, he expressed his dedication to revitalising Ghanaian sports activities and reigniting ardour for the sport.
We need to present scholarships and studying alternatives for younger athletes.
Black Stars 2026 World Cup qualification spot
Adams reassured followers that he would do no matter it takes to help the team qualify for his or her fifth World Cup, which shall be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
He stated on Asempa FM’s Final Sports activities Present:
No matter I have to do because the Sports activities Minister to make sure Ghana qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, I’ll do it.
Ghanaians shall be monitoring ho nicely he does in implementing these guarantees, pledges, and plans.
