As Ghana intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called for stronger financial backing to support the country’s sporting ambitions.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, February 19, Adams appealed to Members of Parliament to contribute to the Ghana Sports Fund, describing sustainable funding as critical not only for the Black Stars but for the long-term development of sports nationwide.
Ghana, drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, is set to make its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. According to the Minister, proper preparation must go hand in hand with financial stability.
“Ghana has qualified for the World Cup; funding will be a key component for our participation and it is in that spirit, Speaker, I make this statement.”
He argued that passing laws alone cannot transform the sector without tangible financial commitment.
“Legislation alone does not finance sports, commitment does. Globally, the sports industry exceeds USD 500 billion in value, yet on our continent, sports contributes less than 0.5% to GDP in most countries — not because we lack talent, not because we lack passion, but because we have not yet built a financing system that matches our ambition.”
Adams explained that the Ghana Sports Fund is designed to address that gap by providing a transparent structure to support infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, elite athlete preparation, welfare initiatives and recreational activities.
“The Ghana Sports Fund provides us that system. It creates a transparent and accountable framework to support infrastructural development, school and grassroots sports, elite athlete preparation, welfare systems and recreation.”
The Minister’s remarks signal a push toward long-term financial planning as Ghana eyes both World Cup success and broader sports sector growth.