Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to using sports and recreation as a strategic tool for national development, describing the sector as critical to economic growth, social cohesion, and public wellbeing.

The Vice President made the remarks during a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, where she “highlighted the vital role of sports and recreation in Ghana’s development” and praised ongoing reforms within the sector.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s PR and Communication Unit, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang used the visit to receive briefings on “current initiatives and progress within the ministry, reaffirming her commitment to fostering a thriving sports ecosystem in the country.”

She commended the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, for what she described as “excellent leadership over the past year,” stressing that “service to humanity remains the core calling of public servants.”

The statement noted that the Vice President “emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to addressing the needs of Ghanaians” and pledged her personal support to the Ministry, “particularly in ensuring the timely release of logistics and resources to facilitate the ministry’s work.”

Earlier, Minister Adams outlined a series of interventions undertaken by the Ministry, highlighting “Ghana’s progress in sports safety, governance, and funding.” He recalled that following the death of a football supporter, the Ministry “suspended the Premier League, conducted safety audits, and created a Sports Police Unit.”

In boxing, the Ministry acted decisively after the death of boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju, “overhauling boxing regulations and introducing national medical protocols.”

Financially, the Minister revealed that the Ministry had “cleared over $904,000 in overdue salaries for Black Stars staff,” while Parliament has now “passed the Ghana Sports Fund Bill to finance sports infrastructure and development.”

The Vice President also “celebrated the contribution of sports and recreation to Ghana’s economy,” noting that the sector “plays a significant role in national development.”

Her remarks, the statement said, “inspired confidence in the future of Ghana’s sports industry and its potential to contribute to social cohesion and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Wilhelmina Asamoah, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as “a motivation for management and staff to continue their hard work and dedication.”

The PR Unit added that the Vice President’s visit “has been seen as a boost to the sector’s morale, encouraging continued excellence in service to Ghana,” and underscored government’s resolve to “develop a robust sports sector, with leaders working collaboratively to ensure Ghana’s sporting talents are nurtured and celebrated on the global stage.”