President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called for equal investment in a variety of sports to enhance Ghana’s performance on the international stage, particularly at the Olympics.
Speaking at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Sunday, December 22 2024, Mr Mahama emphasised the need for a holistic approach to sports development that transcends the traditional focus on football and boxing.
“When we go for the Olympics and see a country win 67 gold medals, it’s not just football or boxing. It’s skiing, it’s judo, it’s all kinds of sports,” Mahama stated.
He urged stakeholders to recognise the wealth of talent across different sporting disciplines in Ghana and work collaboratively to nurture these athletes.
Mahama highlighted that true sports excellence requires a diverse investment strategy that encourages participation in multiple sports.
“Let’s build up all the talents we have so Ghana can come back with 20 or 30 gold medals instead of just one bronze medal in either boxing or football,” he stated.
While discussing the significance of boxing, Mr Mahama reiterated his commitment to revamping the Bukom Boxing Arena as a hub for various sports.
He noted the arena's potential to foster athletic talent and serve as a venue for diverse competitions.
“We're going to build the full complement of this arena with the gyms and everything so that we can bring boxing up as one of the top sports in Ghana,” he said.
The president-elect invited the Boxing Association and other sports organizations to engage with his administration in developing comprehensive strategies for sports promotion. “My doors are open. Whatever you want me to do to help you bring boxing up, you’re welcome,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to support all sports equally.