Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has pledged two months of his salary to support the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, urging lawmakers and stakeholders to contribute toward sustainable sports development.
The minister stressed that adequate funding would be critical as Ghana prepares for major international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In that spirit, I will donate two months of my salary to the Ghana Sports Fund, effective February 2026,” Mr. Adams announced.
Parliament, on December 18, 2025, passed legislation establishing Ghana’s first permanent statutory financing mechanism dedicated to sports and recreation.
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The move marked a turning point for a sector that had operated for decades with talent, passion, and hope, but little financial backing.
Mr. Adams credited President John Dramani Mahama for championing the reform, describing it as a fulfilled promise to place sports at the centre of national development.
He revealed that the fund had already received its first major contribution from the National Investment Bank, which donated GH¢100,000.
He, however, emphasized that the gesture should mark the beginning of a nationwide campaign.
“That contribution must not stand alone. It must be the beginning of a national movement,” he said.
Mr. Adams highlighted the economic importance of sports, noting that in advanced economies, the sector contributes about 2% to GDP, while globally, the industry is valued at over $500 billion.
In contrast, he said most African countries earn less than 0.5% of GDP from sports due to weak financial systems.
“Not because we lack talent. Not because we lack passion. But because we have not built systems that match our ambition,” he noted.
According to him, the Sports Fund will provide a transparent and accountable framework to support infrastructure, grassroots development, elite athlete preparation, and welfare systems.
The minister appealed to MPs, ministers, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and development partners to make tangible contributions to the Fund and urged the private sector to see sports as a viable industry rather than a charitable venture.
In support of the Ghana Sports Fund, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, announced that members of the Majority front bench have collectively pledged portions of their salaries to support the Ghana Sports Fund.
Making the declaration on the floor, Mr. Ayariga said the entire Majority leadership was committed to backing the initiative in practical terms.
“The front bench of the Majority side all hereby commit their salaries to the fund, Mr Speaker,” he announced.
He disclosed that the Minister for Roads and the Minister for Finance, Ato Forson, have also committed one month of their salary to the fund.
The Majority Leader revealed that the Majority Chief Whip had pledged three months of his salary, while other MPs also pledged their February salaries to support the fund.
Adding his voice to the statement, Vincent Assafuah, Ranking Member onthe Sports and Recreation Committee and Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, described the Sports Fund as one of the most significant milestones in Ghana’s sporting history.
The sustainability of sports financinghe said, had been a major concern for years, noting that until December 2025, the sector had struggled to secure reliable funding.
“For years, the sports fraternity has been limping and struggling with funds. Even supporting major competitions like the World Cup has been a challenge,” he said.
He cautioned that the fund must not become just another law on paper without effective implementation.
However, Hon. Assafuah and his Minority colleagues refused to commit anything to the Fund, arguing that their opposition status prevented them from contributing.