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Why Athletes Should Not Be Taxed to Fund Ghana’s Sports Bill: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The debate over sustainable funding for sports development in Ghana has reached a critical juncture with the introduction of the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, 2025. While the proposed legislation aims to secure long-term financial growth for the sports sector, a contentious issue has emerged: the source of these funds. Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has stepped forward with a vital perspective. While supporting the bill’s passage, he has issued a stern warning against a specific funding mechanism—levying athletes. This article explores the complexities of sports financing, the challenges faced by Ghanaian athletes, and why taxing the very individuals representing the nation is a flawed strategy.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of the Former Minister’s statement, one must look at the history of the Ghana Sports Fund Bill. The bill was originally conceived and drafted during Mustapha Ussif’s tenure at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (now the Ministry of Sports and Recreation). The primary objective of this legislation is to create a dedicated financial pool to support sports infrastructure, athlete development, and innovation.

The bill is currently before Parliament, having been described as urgent by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports. However, the specific mechanisms for funding this “growth milestone” have sparked intense debate. The government has historically struggled with consistent budgetary support for sports, leading to a search for alternative, sustainable revenue sources that do not burden the national treasury or the athletes themselves.

Analysis

Former Minister Ussif’s contribution to the parliamentary debate provides a nuanced analysis of the sports ecosystem. His argument rests on two pillars: the financial vulnerability of athletes and the unreliability of government budget releases.

The Financial Plight of the Athlete

A central theme in Ussif’s address was the economic reality facing Ghanaian sportsmen and women. He highlighted that equipment and facilities remain a “major challenge.” Even at the professional level, the struggle is real. Ussif noted that many athletes are students who rely on Ghana for financial support to travel and compete, despite their professional status.

He stated, “Most of these athletes still rely in Ghana even for their preparations. Some of them will write or call you for Ghana to sponsor them to be able to come, even though they are professionals.” This paints a clear picture: the athletes are net beneficiaries of support, not contributors. Levying them would be akin to taxing a subsidized industry to fund its own growth—a counter-productive economic loop.

Reliability of Funding Sources

The Former Minister was critical of relying solely on the central government budget. He pointed out that while the budget exists, “the releases is a problem.” In many developing economies, budgeted funds are often delayed or withheld due to fiscal constraints, leaving sports federations in limbo.

Consequently, Ussif identified the National Lottery Authority as a superior alternative. Unlike tax revenue, lottery proceeds are generated from voluntary entertainment spending. Ussif urged the current Minister to “work very well with the National Lottery Authority so that the establishment will find innovative ways of getting proceeds from that channel.”

The African Games Precedent

Ussif used the recent hosting of the African Games as a case study for how infrastructure and equipment can be acquired. By leveraging the hosting rights, Ghana was able to procure high-quality equipment for national teams. This success story underscores his point: funding should come from large-scale strategic initiatives and established revenue channels (like the Lottery), not from the pockets of individual players.

Practical Advice

For policymakers, sports administrators, and fans following the progress of the Sports Fund Bill, the path forward requires a focus on sustainable, non-extractive funding models.

Strategies for Sustainable Sports Funding

1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Beyond the Lottery, the Ministry should aggressively pursue partnerships with the private sector. Corporate Ghana can sponsor the fund in exchange for branding and tax incentives, rather than relying on athlete levies.

2. Infrastructure Monetization: The facilities acquired during the African Games and other events should be commercialized. Renting out venues for events, fitness centers, and corporate activities can generate revenue to feed the Sports Fund.

3. Diaspora Bonds: Given the number of Ghanaian athletes abroad, the Sports Ministry could explore “Sports Bonds” targeted at the diaspora, offering them a stake in the development of sports back home.

4. Streamlining Lottery Collaboration: As suggested by Ussif, the legal framework for the Sports Fund must explicitly define the percentage share allocated from the National Lottery Authority and ensure this transfer is automatic and immune to political interference.

FAQ

Conclusion

The passage of the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, 2025 represents a significant step toward professionalizing sports administration in Ghana. However, as former Minister Mustapha Ussif eloquently argued, the source of the funding is just as important as the fund itself. Levying athletes is not only economically illogical but also ethically questionable given their precarious financial situation. The focus must remain on reliable, external revenue sources like the National Lottery Authority and strategic partnerships. By protecting athletes from financial burdens, Ghana can ensure that its sportsmen and women focus on what they do best: winning on the global stage.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “You can not levy athletes to Fund Sports Bill – Former Sports Minister” (Published: 2025-12-19)
• Parliament of Ghana: Debate on the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, 2025.
• Ministry of Sports and Recreation: Official documentation on the Sports Fund legislation.