President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled the Ghana Sports Fund, a new financing mechanism aimed at strengthening grassroots sports, school athletics, athlete welfare, and the modernisation of sporting infrastructure.

The fund also seeks to establish long-term pathways for talent development across the country.

The announcement was made on Monday during the Presidential Dialogue with the Private Sector in Accra, as Ghana prepares to compete in major international events this year, including the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Summer Youth Olympics.

“In 2026, Ghana stands at the centre of several global platforms. These moments position Ghana before global audiences and investors in ways that few sectors can do,” President Mahama said, highlighting the economic potential of sports beyond social engagement.

He emphasised that systematic funding is crucial for achieving sustained excellence at all levels of competition.

The Ghana Sports Fund will operate under principles of transparency and accountability, while encouraging active private sector participation.

President Mahama urged corporate stakeholders to treat sports financing as a strategic investment in national development rather than charity. “Government has created the framework; let us build the systems,” he stated.

Resources from the fund will target community-level talent identification, bolster school sports programmes, support athletes throughout their careers, and upgrade training and competition facilities to international standards.

Structured pathways from grassroots to elite competition will ensure continuity, while Ghana’s involvement in upcoming global tournaments is positioned as a platform for national visibility and economic growth.