The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has announced the donation of two months of his salary to the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, describing the move as a personal commitment to reposition sports as a structured pillar of national development.
Speaking on the Floor of Parliament during a statement on the Ghana Sports Fund 2025 (Act 1159), the Minister called the moment historic for Ghana’s sports ecosystem and stressed that the law alone would not solve longstanding challenges.
“Federations operate from crisis to crisis. Athletes prepare for major competitions without assurance of funding. Infrastructure is deteriorating faster than it is maintained. Grassroots talent is lost because opportunity could not be sustained. The Ghana Sports Fund was designed to end that cycle,” he stated.
He added: “Legislation alone does not finance sport. Commitment does.”
In a major boost to the initiative, the National Investment Bank became the first corporate institution to contribute, donating GHS 100,000 to the Fund and setting the tone for broader private sector participation.
To demonstrate leadership by example, Hon. Adams confirmed that his two-month salary donation will take effect from February 2026. He also expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama will continue to champion the Fund as a key national development instrument.
The Minister’s call sparked solidarity in the House, with several Members of Parliament pledging one month of their salaries, including Mahama Ayariga, Kwame Governs Agbodza, Cassiel Ato Forson, Dickson Kyere-Duah, Fred Agbenyo, Doyoe Ghansah, Ricketts-Hagan, and Acheampong.
Meanwhile, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor pledged three months of his salary, while the Member of Parliament for Kintampo North contributed GHS 30,000 in direct financial support.
Hon. Adams further appealed to corporate Ghana, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions and development partners to actively invest in the Fund, describing it as a credible and accountable platform for advancing youth development, health and national growth.
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He also challenged the media to play a constructive role in building and monitoring the initiative, urging journalists to help mobilise national support while ensuring transparency and accountability.
The Ghana Sports Fund (Act 1159) establishes a permanent statutory financing framework to support infrastructure development, school and grassroots sports, elite athlete preparation, technical and medical systems, as well as recreation nationwide.
With the Minister’s personal contribution and strong parliamentary backing, the Fund now enters its mobilisation phase as a nationwide campaign to secure sustainable financing for Ghana’s sports future.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Monica Bukari
