Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reiterated government’s firm commitment to positioning sports medicine at the heart of Ghana’s sports development agenda.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Sports Medicine Conference, hosted by the Sports Medicine Association–Ghana (SMA-Gh) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Minister unveiled a six-point policy framework designed to transform medical support systems across the sporting landscape.
The proposed measures include enforcing a “No Ambulance, No Event” rule for all sanctioned competitions, instituting universal pre-participation health screenings with annual athlete assessments, and certifying at least 200 sports medicine professionals within the next year.
He also highlighted plans to introduce a national injury and illness surveillance system, enhance anti-doping efforts through education and testing, and implement mandatory medical insurance for athletes.
“These measures are not optional – they are essential,” Hon. Adams stressed, assuring participants of government’s full backing. “The Ministry of Sports and Recreation will provide regulatory support, co-funding for equipment, and enforcement in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Ambulance Service, and the Ghana Education Service.”
He underscored that embedding sports medicine from grassroots to elite levels is vital for safeguarding athletes, boosting performance, and advancing inclusivity in sports. The Minister further commended SMA-Ghana for providing a timely and technical platform to establish national standards and mobilize practitioners across the sector.
The CPD-accredited conference marks a pivotal step in strengthening evidence-based practice, clinical accountability, and athlete welfare, ushering in a new phase where medical science and sports governance work together to build a healthier, more competitive sporting nation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Christian Kobby Quarshie
