#SONA2025: Government to launch National Recreation Day - Says President Mahama

The government is set to launch National Recreation Day, a monthly initiative focused on community engagement, alongside an annual National Recreation Festival. 

The initiative will be introduced by the Ministry of Youth and Recreation, with the launch date to be announced later.

President John Dramani Mahama made this announcement during his first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra.

"To acknowledge the significance of recreation, we will launch a National Recreation Day. This will be a monthly initiative centered on community engagement alongside an annual National Recreation Festival," the President said.

The President stated that his government would prioritize the development of community recreational facilities to encourage greater participation in sports at the grassroots level. 

"Recognizing the critical role of youth development, we are implementing a significant overhaul of grassroots sports with the establishment of the School Sports Authority." 

"This body will oversee structured inter-school competitions and talent identification initiatives essential for nurturing future sporting champions. Over 60 per cent of Ghana's elite athletes have emerged from these school sports programmes," he stressed.

To tackle the recent decline in the sports sector, he hinted that his administration would implement a comprehensive national sports policy aligned with international standards.

"Mr. Speaker, we will develop a comprehensive national sports policy to align with international norms. This policy will be accompanied by an exhaustive review of the Sports Act of 2016, that is, Act 934, and the rigorous enforcement of the Sports Regulations 2023, LI 2477."

He also expressed particular concern about the disappointing results of the national senior men's football team, the Black Stars, and revealed that he has directed his office and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association accountable to the people of Ghana, especially during the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, which is now a pale shadow of its former glory, will play two World Cup qualifying matches. I have instructed my Office and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association accountable to the people of Ghana as we prepare for these games, especially regarding the budget of the FA," he said.