President John Dramani Mahama has thrown a significant challenge to the newly appointed Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, urging him to spearhead a transformation in Ghana’s sports sector and restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
The President made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of 17 new ministers at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 7, where he underscored the importance of a robust and well-managed sports industry in the country’s national development.
In his address, President Mahama acknowledged the current state of Ghanaian sports, describing it as unacceptable for a country with a rich sporting history. He stressed that Adams’ appointment comes with high expectations and a clear mandate to restructure and reform the sector with transparency, professionalism, and strategic planning.
“Hon. Kofi Adams, I don’t envy your job. You have the monumental task of restoring Ghana to its pride of place in African and world sports. The shambles that are Ghana’s sports today are completely unacceptable for a country with our pedigree. And I expect that you inject transparency, professionalism, and modernity into the management of the sector,” President Mahama stated.
The President highlighted the urgent need for Adams to prioritize the development of all sports disciplines in Ghana, emphasizing that football, as the nation’s most beloved sport, requires immediate attention. He urged the new minister to work closely with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement reforms that would see the national team, the Black Stars, reclaim their dominance on the continent and beyond.
“I expect that you concentrate on building up all the sports disciplines, and I know the Ghana Football Association would be a good place to start. Work to make sure that we return the Black Stars to their glory days,” he added.
President Mahama’s remarks signal his administration’s renewed commitment to revitalizing the sports sector and maximizing its potential as a tool for national pride, economic growth, and international recognition. He acknowledged that while Ghana has a storied history in football, athletics, and other sporting events, recent years have seen a decline in performance, poor management, and a lack of proper investment. His call for change reflects the government’s determination to restore discipline, accountability, and professionalism in the sector.
The appointment of Kofi Adams as Sports Minister has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders, with many expressing hope that his leadership will usher in a new era of growth and stability. Analysts believe that his success will depend largely on his ability to implement key structural reforms, engage stakeholders effectively, and prioritize grassroots sports development.
Beyond football, President Mahama expects Adams to oversee the revival of other sports disciplines, ensuring that Ghana remains competitive on the global stage. The country has historically excelled in athletics, boxing, and other sporting events, but a lack of funding, poor infrastructure, and administrative challenges have hindered progress in recent years. The President’s directive suggests that he wants to see a holistic approach to sports development, rather than a sole focus on football.
For the Black Stars, the expectations are particularly high. Once a dominant force in African football, Ghana’s national team has struggled in recent years, failing to replicate the success of previous generations. Many believe that the decline has been due to a combination of administrative lapses, lack of investment in youth development, and poor leadership within the GFA. By urging Adams to prioritize football reforms, President Mahama is making it clear that the nation’s flagship team must return to its winning ways.
To achieve this, experts suggest that Adams will need to introduce policies that promote transparency in player selection, improve the management of football funds, and create sustainable youth development programs to groom future talents. In recent years, concerns have been raised about corruption and mismanagement within Ghanaian football, leading to a loss of public trust in the system. Restoring faith in the administration of the game will be key to bringing back the enthusiasm and support of fans.
In addition to policy changes, there is also a growing call for increased investment in sports infrastructure. Many stadiums and training facilities across the country are in dire need of renovation, and the lack of modern sporting facilities has been a major hindrance to talent development. The government’s role in providing funding and partnerships with the private sector will be crucial in addressing these challenges.
President Mahama’s charge to Adams comes at a time when Ghana is preparing for various international sporting competitions. The pressure is on for the new minister to implement swift and effective reforms that will improve the country’s standing in global sports. With the African Cup of Nations, Olympic Games, and other major tournaments on the horizon, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Adams navigates his new role.
Beyond the immediate challenges, the President’s remarks highlight a long-term vision for Ghanaian sports—one that sees the country becoming a powerhouse not only in football but across various disciplines. Achieving this vision will require a collective effort from the government, sports administrators, athletes, and the private sector. Developing a comprehensive sports policy, ensuring accountability, and fostering a culture of excellence will be key to sustained success.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the impact of Adams’ leadership. Many believe that with the right approach, he has the potential to turn around the fortunes of Ghanaian sports. However, the road ahead is not without obstacles, and overcoming deep-rooted challenges will require strong leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment.
As Ghana embarks on this new chapter in sports administration, the expectations of the public remain high. The government’s decision to place sports at the center of its national development agenda is a positive step, but the true measure of success will be in the tangible improvements seen on the field and in the overall management of the sector. President Mahama has set the tone, and now, it is up to Kofi Adams to deliver on the mandate given to him.
