Sports Governing Board sworn in as Minister urges bold reforms for Sector’s future

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Sports Authority (NSA) in a ceremony emphasizing the urgent need for transformative reforms within Ghana’s sports sector.

In his remarks, Hon. Adams expressed gratitude to the board members for accepting the pivotal appointment at a time when Ghanaian sports are at a critical crossroads. “Your presence here today is not just ceremonial; it signals your readiness to help reposition sports administration in Ghana,” he stated. “The expectations are high, and we must do better.”

The Minister highlighted that Ghana’s sports landscape has shifted from simply focusing on medals and competitions to broader issues like economic value, social cohesion, job creation, athlete welfare, infrastructure sustainability, and digitized governance. “Ghana has talent, history, and passion, but also faces gaps, inefficiencies, and outdated structures,” he noted.

He emphasized the importance of the NSA as the backbone of the country’s sports ecosystem, responsible for facilities, athlete welfare, federation governance, grassroots development, and attracting private sector confidence. “If the Authority is strong, the sector progresses; if it is weak, everything else struggles,” he said.

Since assuming office, the Ministry has made strides in restoring confidence and focus within the sector, with improvements in stakeholder engagement, decentralization, and facility management. However, Hon. Adams stressed that these efforts are just the beginning. “We are now entering a phase that requires bold structural reforms, sharper policy alignment, and a performance-based governance approach,” he added.

He called on the new board to work with urgency, integrity, and purpose, undertaking difficult conversations and practical solutions to strengthen the NSA and the entire sports sector. The Minister also underscored the need to review and update the 2016 Sports Act and to develop a comprehensive national sports policy that reflects emerging industry realities.

“Commercialization, athlete protection, digital systems, gender equity, disability inclusion, infrastructure, and private investment are no longer optional they are central to a modern sports system,” he stated.

Concluding his address, Hon. Adams pledged the Ministry’s support and engagement, emphasizing that the board’s collective experience and capacity are vital to delivering impactful results. “This is a call to duty,” he affirmed.

The appointment of the new board signifies a renewed commitment to transforming Ghanaian sports into a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable sector.

LIST OF GOVERNING OF NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY