President John Dramani Mahama has voiced concerns over the current poor state of Ghana's sports sector, pledging immediate and comprehensive reforms to "reclaim our rightful place on the global sports stage."

In his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, since taking office, the President highlighted the declining performance of various sports, particularly boxing, athletics, and football.

He expressed particular concern about the disappointing results of the national senior men's football team, the Black Stars, and revealed that he has directed his office and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association accountable to the people of Ghana, especially during the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The President also assured that there would be full transparency regarding government spending on national teams, with the budgets submitted by the Football Association and other sports bodies being made public.

Recognizing the importance of youth development, he announced plans for a major overhaul of grassroots sports, which will include the creation of a School Sports Authority.

Regarding infrastructure, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to renovating existing national stadiums, completing youth resource centers, and building new sports facilities in the newly created regions.

Read the full statement on sports:

Mr. Speaker, Ghana's sports sector, once again, which was a shining example of excellence within Africa, now finds itself at a very critical juncture. Historically, our nation has been celebrated and has had remarkable achievements in boxing, football and athletics. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. 

However, recent years have unveiled depressing structural deficiencies in administration, funding, infrastructure and talent development. Immediate and comprehensive reforms are imperative to reclaim our rightful place on the global sports stage. 

Mr. Speaker, we will develop a comprehensive national sports policy to align with international norms. This policy will be accompanied by an exhaustive review of the Sports Act of 2016, that is, Act 934, and the rigorous enforcement of the Sports Regulations 2023, LI 2477.

Infrastructure development remains paramount in our strategy. The government is committed to refurbishing existing national stadiums, completing youth resource centers and constructing new sports facilities in the new regions.  

We will also prioritize community recreational facilities to foster greater participation in sports at the grassroots level. Recognizing the critical role of youth development, we are implementing a significant overhaul of grassroots sports with the establishment of the School Sports Authority. 

This body will oversee structured inter-school competitions and talent identification initiatives essential for nurturing future sporting champions. Over 60 per cent of Ghana's elite athletes have emerged from these school sports programs.

The Ministry has now been renamed the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. To acknowledge the significance of recreation, we will launch a National Recreation Day. This will be a monthly initiative centered on community engagement alongside an annual National Recreation Festival. These initiatives will encourage keep-fit activities and promote active lifestyles.  It will promote traditional games and strengthen community bonds. 

Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, which is now a pale shadow of its former glory, will play two World Cup qualifying matches. I have instructed my Office and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association accountable to the people of Ghana as we prepare for these games, especially regarding the budget of the FA. 

There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams.  The budgets presented by the FA and other sports associations must be known by the public.

After all, it is the taxpayers' funds that are used to fund these activities. The reduction in government expenditure and waste reduction applies to all sectors of the economy, including the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.