Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has visited the Ministry of Sports and Recreation as part of her ongoing official visits aimed at first-time ministers.

The initiative seeks to bridge gaps between the Presidency and Ministries while enhancing coordination across government.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, January 22, saw the Vice President received by the Minister of Sports, Kofi Iddie Adams, the Chief Director, heads of agencies, and Ministry staff.

During the briefing, Mr Adams highlighted key interventions undertaken in 2025 under President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, as well as the Ministry’s outlook for 2026.

The Minister recalled the suspension of the Ghana Premier League in February 2025 following the tragic death of a supporter at Nsoatreman.

He noted that in response, the Ministry collaborated with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ghana Police Service to conduct nationwide safety audits, strengthen matchday security protocols, and deploy a specialised Sports Police Unit to improve security at sporting venues.

He also detailed reforms in boxing, including the creation of a Boxing Normalisation Committee in September 2025 and the establishment of Ghana’s first national combat sports medical and safety protocol, which covers digital medical records, mandatory screenings, ringside medical coverage, and insurance protection for athletes.

In May 2025, the government cleared over USD$904,000 in salary arrears owed to former and current Black Stars coaches and technical staff, restoring credibility and improving contractual discipline.

Mr Adams said the Ministry also facilitated a national broadcast partnership between the GFA and Adesa Productions, provided GH₵1 million each to Premier League clubs, improved prize packages with GH₵2 million for champions, and supplied equipment assistance.

He noted that reforms introduced by the Ministry reduced international assignment costs for the Black Stars from approximately USD$2 million to about USD$1.3 million per two-match window, achieving efficiency savings of over 35 per cent through performance-linked spending.

A major milestone, the National Sports Fund, received Cabinet approval in October 2025, passage in Parliament on December 18, 2025, and was assented to as Act 1159.

Leadership has since been appointed to operationalise sustainable funding for sports infrastructure, grassroots development, elite athlete preparation, and welfare.

Mr Adams also outlined improvements by the National Sports Authority (NSA), including the introduction of a Stadium Maintenance Manual, enhanced booking systems, and pitch protection measures at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He cited efforts to support major sporting events and promote sports tourism, noting Ghana’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup, WAFCON, Youth Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Senior Athletics Championships, and the African Armwrestling Championships.

Key infrastructure plans for 2026 include the construction of eight new stadia, with three slated to commence this year, continued renovations of existing facilities, public-private partnership management of the Borteyman Sports Complex, and the development of a national framework for astro turf pitches and Youth Resource Centres.

The Minister also raised concerns regarding timely release of funds, decision-making on Youth Resource Centres, tax exemptions on sports equipment, and VAT harmonisation to strengthen governance and align Ghana’s sports system with international standards.

Responding to the briefing, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry for its detailed presentation and encouraged staff to maintain focus on results through disciplined execution.

She acknowledged the contributions of all workers, including those often “faceless” individuals whose work is essential to the system’s success.

She further stressed the importance of human relations, wellness, and safe sporting environments, emphasising strong security and screening standards to protect athletes and fans alike.