Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, has engaged stakeholders in the sports to discuss ways to ensure positive development in the sector.
The stakeholder meeting brought together National Federations and Associations as well as the new leadership of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), National Sports College, and the National Sports Authority (NSA).
Mr Adams, in his keynote address, expressed his desire to engage stakeholders on a regular basis and believed that it was the best way to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sports ecosystem.
The Sports and Recreation Minister further stated the importance of the meeting to formally introduce his working staff to other stakeholders who would help steer sports development.
“Since my appointment in recent months, several other crucial appointments have been made,” he stated.
Mr Adams underscored the need to work together as national federations, adding that some federations can pick valuable lessons from other federations like the Ghana Football Association.
“The trajectory of Ghana’s football ecosystem should serve as an example for all of us,” he stated.
He further expressed the commitment of the government through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to complete all unfinished sports infrastructure projects.
In supporting the federations, the Sports and Recreation Minister stated that he would schedule quarterly meetings with the federations to review progress on agreed points.
Presentations were made by Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the NSA on the Regulatory Framework for Sports Development, Promotion and Regulations.
During his presentation, he stated that the NSA would partner with sports journalists and media and create monthly spotlight features on various disciplines and athletes.
Mr Richard Kofi Akpokavie, President of the GOC stated that sports was not just about medals and victories but also about fair competitions, respect for rules and serving as role models for the next generation.
According to him, the GOC, as a leader of the sports community in Ghana, represents the federations who are responsible for athlete development, training and welfare.
He said the Ministry of Sports and Recreation that represents the government has a huge responsibility to be involved in the fight against doping.
Mr William Katey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation responded to the concerns made by some of the federation members, which primarily hinged on the lack of funding.
He assured federations of the Ministry’s effort to operationalise the Sports Fund which has been in and out of cabinet awaiting approval, and believed it would largely mitigate their concerns when finally approved.
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