Sports Minister designate promises to strengthen grass-roots sports, revive Inter-Collegiate competitions

The Minister designate for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, has pledged to restore the vibrancy of Ghanaian sports at every level, with a strong focus on grass-roots development and reviving interest in inter-college competitions.

A major priority for him is revitalising the Ghana Premier League, boosting investments in various sports disciplines, and working diligently to return Ghana to its former sporting glory.

During his vetting on Thursday, January 30, 2025, before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr Adams, who also serves as Member of Parliament for the Buem constituency in the Oti Region, assured Ghanaians that he was deeply familiar with the sports sector and would not disappoint President John Dramani Mahama, the public, or himself.

One of his key strategies includes addressing the challenges faced by local players, such as improving their salaries to curb the exodus of talent. He also emphasised his commitment to working with active players to establish a pension scheme for retired athletes.

Despite the sector being burdened with an estimated $450 million debt, Mr Adams stated that his focus would be on securing sustainable funding for the industry, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably, and that no stakeholder is left behind.

The minister designate also revealed plans to transform the Winneba Sports College into a university, aiming to enhance the skills of Ghanaian sports professionals and increase their confidence in managing large-scale projects.

In addition, Mr Adams intends to offer scholarships to young athletes who wish to pursue both academics and sports, helping them become well-rounded individuals in the future.

Lastly, he assured the committee that he would prioritize a culture of proper maintenance for sports facilities, ensuring they remain in good condition and are not allowed to fall into disrepair.