Who Benefits, How to Apply, and When: Inside Ghana’s Sports Fund

The landscape of sports financing in Ghana has undergone a significant transformation with the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Ghana Sports Fund. Spearheaded by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, this initiative marks a pivotal shift from ad-hoc funding mechanisms to a structured, sustainable financial framework. This comprehensive guide explores the composition of the new board, the eligibility criteria for funding, the application process, and the broader implications for Ghanaian sports.

Introduction

For decades, the funding of sports in Ghana has fluctuated based on government allocations and sporadic private sponsorships. The enactment of the Sports Fund Act, 2024 (Act 1159) aims to solve this volatility by establishing a dedicated financial vehicle for sports development. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation took the critical step of inaugurating the 11-member board tasked with managing this fund. This article provides an in-depth analysis of how this fund operates, who stands to benefit, and the precise mechanisms for accessing these resources.

Key Points

Background

The establishment of the Ghana Sports Fund is the culmination of legislative efforts to professionalize sports financing in the country. Historically, sports funding in Ghana was characterized by a “need-based” approach, often reactive rather than proactive. The Sports Fund Act, 2024 (Act 1159) was passed in December 2025 to address these systemic challenges.

The Problem of Ad-Hoc Funding

Prior to this Act, funding often relied on “benevolent support” from individuals and organizations. While this approach yielded results in specific instances, it lacked a centralized entity to receive and manage funds efficiently. The previous system suffered from a lack of accountability and poor data for future decision-making. By creating a dedicated fund, the government aims to bridge the gap between central budget allocations and the actual financial needs of the sports sector.

The Inauguration of the Board

The credibility of the Fund rests on the shoulders of its governing board. The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, unveiled a team designed to blend academic expertise, sporting excellence, and administrative experience.

Composition of the 11-Member Board

• Chairman: Professor Karyoe Anin-Wright
• Member: Azumah Nelson (Three-time global boxing champion and Hall of Famer)
• Member: Ernest Thompson (Former Black Stars Management Committee member and revenue banker)
• Administrator: Dr. David Kofi Wuaku
• NSA Representative: Yaw Ampofo Ankrah (Director-General)
• Ministry of Sports Representative: Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah (Chief Director)
• Ministry of Finance Representative: Mr. Duah Alhassan Oteng (Technical Adviser)
• Ministry of Local Government Representative: Mrs. Deborah Adei Djanie (Director of Human Resource Management and Development)

Analysis

The inauguration of this board represents a strategic move to insulate sports financing from political cycles. By incorporating representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the National Sports Authority, the Fund aims to ensure transparency and fiscal discipline.

Sustainability Over Reliance

The core philosophy of the Fund is to transition Ghanaian sports from a dependency model to a self-sustaining ecosystem. The Act empowers the Fund to manage incentives, insurance covers, and welfare packages. This is a departure from the past where funding was often discretionary. The inclusion of a revenue banker (Ernest Thompson) and a Technical Adviser from the Finance Ministry suggests a strong focus on investment growth and prudent financial management.

Branding and National Identity

The Fund is also positioned as a tool for national branding. By prioritizing “sport for development,” the government recognizes that successful athletes and federations serve as powerful ambassadors. The Fund’s ability to support the “sports value chain” implies a holistic approach that includes grassroots development, not just elite performance.

Practical Advice

For athletes, federations, and potential sponsors, understanding the operational mechanics of the Fund is essential. Here is a breakdown of how to navigate the new system.

Who Can Benefit?

The Fund casts a wide net to ensure comprehensive support:

1. National Athletes: Active athletes representing Ghana at international competitions.
2. Retired Athletes: The Act explicitly prioritizes the welfare of retired national athletes, addressing a long-standing concern regarding post-career support.
3. Federations and Associations: Any sports body in good standing with the National Sports Authority (NSA) is eligible.
4. Discretionary Beneficiaries: The Board has the power to approve support for other entities that align with the Fund’s goals.

How to Apply for Funding

Eligible entities must follow a formal procedure to access support.

1. Submission of Application: A formal application must be submitted to the Fund Administrator, Dr. David Kofi Wuaku.
2. Review Period: The Administrator is legally bound to review the application within ten (10) days of receipt.
3. Notification: The applicant will receive a written response. If approved, the notification will detail the disbursement. If rejected, the Administrator must provide clear reasons for the refusal.

The Appeals Process

Should an application be rejected, applicants are not left without recourse. The Act provides a clear escalation path:

1. Review by the Board: The applicant has 30 days from the date of rejection to request a review by the Governing Board.
2. Escalation to the Minister: If the applicant remains dissatisfied with the Board’s review, the matter can be escalated to the Minister of Sports and Recreation. The Minister is required to communicate a final decision within 14 days.

For Sponsors and Donors

Corporations and philanthropists looking to contribute can now do so through a centralized, accountable channel. The Fund provides the legal framework to ensure that contributions are utilized for their intended purpose, addressing previous complaints regarding the lack of accountability in ad-hoc sponsorship deals.

FAQ

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Ghana Sports Fund Board signals a new era for sports administration in Ghana. By moving away from ad-hoc revenue collection and towards a statutory, sustainable funding model, the government aims to empower athletes and federations to focus on performance and national branding. With a diverse board comprising legends like Azumah Nelson and financial experts, the Fund is well-positioned to manage the resources required to elevate Ghanaian sports on the global stage. Stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the application protocols to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Sources

• Sports Fund Act, 2024 (Act 1159)
• Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Ghana – Official Press Release
• Life Pulse Daily – “Who Benefits, How to Apply, and When: Inside Ghana’s Sports Fund” (Published: 2026-01-26)