Open letter to Kofi Adams, Minister for Sports, Recreation

The President has entrusted you with a Herculean task, one that demands unwavering commitment, strategic leadership, and, above all, integrity. 

The expectations from the government, sports-loving enthusiasts, and the nation as a whole are immense.

You cannot afford to fail because the success of our sports largely depends on the policies and leadership that you will bring to bear during your tenure.

History has not been kind to your predecessors, as many of them fell short in fulfilling the mandate of their office.

Poor leadership, favouritism, and a lack of vision have been the hallmarks of previous administrations, leading to the underdevelopment of various sporting disciplines.

I urge you not to follow in their footsteps but to carve out a new path of excellence, accountability and development for the industry.

Sports in the country have challenges, from poor infrastructure and inadequate funding to mismanagement and administrative inefficiencies.

Your first major test is to tackle these challenges head-on with bold and decisive actions.

Crack the whip where necessary, hold officials accountable, and ensure transparency in all dealings.

Cover-ups and negligence will only lead to public dissatisfaction and ultimately tarnish your administration.

Sir, we do not need an office-bound minister. We need a leader who is constantly on the ground, working tirelessly to identify and address the pressing needs of athletes, coaches and sporting institutions.

Cast your net wide and seek expertise beyond the ministry to develop workable strategies that will enhance the growth of our sports sector.

One of the greatest evils you have inherited is the pervasive corruption within the sports ministry.

The successive past governments have suffered humiliation due to scandals emanating from this ministry.

If you are to succeed, you must run a corruption-free administration. Be transparent in all dealings, enforce accountability, and ensure that public funds meant for sports development serve their intended purpose.

Furthermore, Ghanaian sports is not only about football. Your predecessors have been guilty of focusing almost exclusively on football, leaving other disciplines in neglect. Do not make the same mistake.

Be a minister for all sports – athletics, boxing, hockey, basketball, and the many others that have brought Ghana international recognition.

Equitable distribution of resources and support across all sporting disciplines is critical to national sports development.

To leave an enduring legacy, pay greater attention to the National Sports College, Winneba.

This institution holds the key to the long-term success of Ghanaian sports.

The College is meant to be the backbone of sports development, yet it remains underfunded, underutilised and mismanaged.

A well-structured and properly resourced National Sports College will serve as the breeding ground for world-class athletes and coaches, thereby elevating Ghana’s stature in global sports.

Your tenure offers an opportunity for redemption and transformation.

The entire nation is watching, and we are hopeful that you will rise to the occasion.

May your administration be remembered for accountability, development and the revival of Ghanaian sports. 

The writer, Asaseasa-Nyarkoh Sampson is a Senior Administrator at the National Sports College, Winneba 

E-mail: asaseasanyarkoh@gmail.com