Ghana’s National Sports Policy Moving Closer to Finalization
Mr. Kofi Adams, the Minister for Sports and Recreation in Ghana, recently addressed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, providing an update on the progress of the long-awaited National Sports Policy. He assured the committee that the policy would be finalized and adopted before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The National Sports Policy is designed to create a comprehensive framework for the development, management, and promotion of sports and recreation across the country. It aims to address various challenges faced by the sports sector and provide a structured approach to its growth.
During his appearance before the PAC on Tuesday, Mr. Adams explained that the delay in finalizing the policy was due to ongoing realignment within the Ministry. Specifically, he mentioned that the inclusion of recreation as a major component of the Ministry’s mandate had contributed to the delay.
“Actually, the only reason that the policy is still in the final stage of being a draft is because of the realignment that we have had at the Ministry. Now, recreation has been a very high consideration, so we need to factor that also into the policy,” he said.
Mr. Adams emphasized that the Ministry was incorporating all new directives and structural adjustments into the draft policy. He confirmed that the process was now in its final stages, with the goal of presenting a fully developed policy rather than a draft.
“We needed to factor all these into the draft policy as it existed. So I can assure you that before our next meeting… We are sure that before the end of the first quarter next year, the policy should be ready as a full policy and not in the draft anymore,” he concluded.
The National Sports Policy is expected to have a significant impact on the development of sports in Ghana. It will provide a clear framework for managing and promoting sports and recreation activities, ensuring better coordination and resource allocation.
In addition to the National Sports Policy, the Minister revealed that President John Dramani Mahama had directed the establishment of a School Sports Agency. This agency will oversee sports development at the basic and secondary levels across the country.
“Mr Chairman, the President also gave an indication that he wants us to establish a school sports agency that will be responsible for school sports. So it will no longer be something the Ghana Education Service alone will be doing, where when they don’t have time or money, it goes off,” he explained.
This move is aimed at ensuring that school sports receive the attention and resources they deserve, independent of the constraints faced by the education service.
Key Points from the Minister’s Statement
- The National Sports Policy is expected to be finalized by Q1 2026.
- The delay was due to the realignment of the Ministry, particularly the inclusion of recreation.
- The policy will provide a comprehensive framework for sports and recreation in Ghana.
- A School Sports Agency is being established to oversee sports at the basic and secondary levels.
- The initiative aims to ensure that school sports are managed effectively and independently.