Source: Victor Kwawu
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has donated two months of his salary to the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, calling on Parliament, the Executive, corporate Ghana and the media to actively support the initiative.
Making the announcement on the floor of Parliament of Ghana while presenting a statement on the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159), the Minister described the moment as historic for Ghana’s sports ecosystem.
Addressing systemic challenges
Hon. Adams outlined long-standing challenges confronting sports development in the country, noting that many federations operate “from crisis to crisis,” while athletes often prepare for major competitions without guaranteed funding. He added that deteriorating infrastructure and the loss of grassroots talent remain persistent problems.
“The Ghana Sports Fund was designed to end that cycle,” he said, stressing that passing the law was only the beginning.
“Legislation alone does not finance sport. Commitment does.”
First corporate support announced
In a major boost to the Fund, the Minister revealed that the National Investment Bank has made the first corporate contribution, donating GHS 100,000 to set the tone for private sector participation.
To demonstrate leadership by example, Hon. Adams declared that his two-month salary donation would take effect from February 2026.
He also urged Members of Parliament and the Executive to provide tangible backing, expressing confidence that John Dramani Mahama would continue to champion the Fund as a key national priority.
Parliamentary solidarity
Several Members of Parliament pledged one month of their salaries to the Fund, including Mahama Ayariga, Kwame Governs Agbodza, Cassiel Ato Forson, Dickson Kyere-Duah, Fred Agbenyo, Doyoe Gansah, Ricketts-Hagan and Acheampong.
In addition, Rockson‑Nelson Dafeamekpor pledged three months of his salary, while the Member of Parliament for Kintampo North announced a direct cash donation of GHS 30,000.
Call to corporate Ghana and the media
Hon. Adams appealed to corporate Ghana, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions and development partners to engage proactively with the Fund, describing it as a credible platform for investment in youth, health and national development.
He also challenged the media to play an active role in mobilising support while ensuring accountability.
A national instrument
Reaffirming the non-partisan nature of the initiative, the Minister said the Ghana Sports Fund is a national instrument intended to support infrastructure development, school and grassroots sports, elite athlete preparation, and technical and medical systems nationwide.
“Let this House be remembered not only as the Parliament that created the Ghana Sports Fund, but as the generation of leaders that funded it, defended it and made it work,” he concluded.
With the Minister’s personal commitment and strong parliamentary backing, the Ghana Sports Fund now enters its mobilisation phase as a national campaign aimed at repositioning sports as a structured contributor to Ghana’s overall development.