President John Dramani Mahama’s second-term State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, tackled the dire state of Ghana’s economy, encompassing finance, education, health, transport, agriculture, mining, creative arts, and most importantly, sports.
Notably, the address lacked substantial focus on the struggling Ghana Premier League, a point of concern for many, especially after the tragic death of Kotoko fan, Nana Pooley.
Ghana was once a powerhouse in African and global sports, boasting an impressive record of achievements. The country’s sporting pedigree included Olympic medals, boxing titles, and track and field accolades, as well as notable success in football at both youth and senior levels.
Unfortunately, Ghana’s sporting fortunes have declined significantly, and the country now struggles to replicate its past glories.
As part of his 2025 manifesto goals of “Reseting the Country”, President Mahama has outlined plans to revitalize Ghanaian sports, addressing the current challenges facing the sector.
Development of an understanding National Sports policy
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined plans to develop a national sports policy to guide the administration of sports in Ghana.
“eforms are imperative to reclaim our rightful place on the global sports stage. 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,” he added.
Establishment of new Sports Facilities in the New Regions and Completion of Youth Resource Centers
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s sporting infrastructure.
“Infrastructure development remains paramount to our strategy. The government is committed to refurbishing national stadia, completing youth resource centres and constructing new sports facilities in the new regions,” he stated.
Creation of School Sports Authority to oversee Sports Development in Schools
President John Mahama has pledged to establish a School Sports Authority in a bid to revamp Ghana’s grassroots sports development during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025
“Recognising the critical role of youth development, we’re implementing a significant overhaul of grassroots sports with the establishment of the School Sports Authority,” he stated.
“This body will oversee structured inter-school competitions and talent identification initiatives essential for nurturing future sporting champions.” he added.
John Mahama to hold GFA Accountable for 2026 World Cup Qualification
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of Ghana’s national football teams, signaling an end to secrecy surrounding expenditure.
“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,” he said.
“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 GFA,” he added.
National Team Budgets to be known to the General Public
President Mahama has insisted on his commitment to ensuring transparency in sports funding, stating that all budgets allocated for national teams must be made public.
“There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national team. The budget presented by the FA and other associations must be made public, as it is taxpayers’ money,” Mahama stated.
Reacting to the SONA 2025, Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, called on President John Dramani Mahama to move beyond lamentations and take decisive action to address the challenges confronting Ghanaians.
“The president came to this house with the familiar story, the usual lamentations. He packaged it in a language as though we have a new beginning” Honorable Afenyo Markins, MP for Effutu was speaking on the floor of Parliament.
Can President Mahama’s Second Coming Revitalize Ghanaian Sports?
Just as Christians eagerly await the second coming of Jesus Christ, believing it will bring redemption and rejuvenation, Ghanaians are hopeful that President Mahama’s return to office will revitalize the country’s struggling sports sector.
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Story by Asack Pius|univers.ug.edu.gh
