The quest for sustainable sports financing in Ghana reached a historic milestone this weekend as Mr. Dickson Kyere-Duah, MP for Berekum West, revealed that Members of Parliament
have already mobilized over GH₵200,000 in individual contributions for the newly established Ghana Sports Fund.
Speaking at Jinijini, Mr. Duah—who serves on the fund's 11-member governing board—hailed the move as a demonstration of leadership by example. The fund, a centerpiece of the Kofi Adams-led Ministry of Sports and Recreation, is designed to end the "reactive" financing that has seen Ghanaian athletes travel to international competitions without financial certainty for decades.
1. Financing the "Reset" in Sports
For years, Ghanaian sports federations have operated "from one crisis to another." The new fund aims to provide a structured, predictable, and accountable alternative.
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Leadership Commitment: Sports Minister Kofi Adams pledged two months of his salary to the fund on February 19.
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Parliamentary Support: Following the Minister’s lead, the Majority Caucus front bench pledged their March 2026 salaries, while individual MPs like Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (3 months) and Dickson Kyere-Duah (1 month) made significant personal commitments.
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Corporate Kickstart: The National Investment Bank (NIB) has already injected GH₵100,000 into the fund, signaling a shift toward public-private partnerships.
2. Meet the "Guardians" of the Fund
The 11-member board, inaugurated on January 23, 2026, features a blend of academic, legal, and legendary sporting expertise.
| Name | Role / Representation |
| Prof. Koryoe Anim-Wright | Chairperson (Office of the President) |
| Dr. David Kofi Wuaku | Administrator |
| Azumah Nelson | Retired Athletes' Representative |
| Yaw Ampofo Ankrah | Director-General (National Sports Authority) |
| Ernest Thompson | Investment / Fund Management Expert |
| Hon. Dickson Kyere-Duah | Board Member / MP (Berekum West) |
"The fund must serve sport, not interests; reward performance, not proximity; and invest in systems, not shortcuts." — Kofi Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation
3. World Cup 2026: Ghana "Not Afraid" of Group L
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching in June, Mr. Duah dismissed rumors that the government would not support fans traveling to North America. He expressed high confidence in the Black Stars, who have been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
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The "English" Advantage: Mr. Duah noted that many of Ghana's key players currently ply their trade in the English Premier League, giving them the tactical edge needed to face top-tier opposition like England.
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Support for Fans: While the U.S. Embassy recently warned against visa overstays, the government is working to facilitate smooth passage for genuine supporters to cheer on the team in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
4. The Economic Potential of Sports
As a veteran sports journalist, Mr. Duah condemned the "politicization" of the industry. He reminded stakeholders that the global sports industry is valued at over $500 billion, yet sports currently contribute less than 0.5% to Ghana’s GDP. The fund is the first step in turning athletics into a major economic driver under the 2026 "Reset."
The Bottom Line
The Ghana Sports Fund is moving from a legislative dream into a financial reality. With GCB Bank appointed as the collecting bank, the door is now open for the private sector to match the financial commitment shown by the nation's lawmakers.
