BY Issah Olegor
The National Democratic Congress government has renewed its commitment to transforming Ghana’s sports sector with the inauguration of a new Ministerial Advisory Board — a move authorities describe as crucial to aligning sports policy with the country’s broader development agenda.
The nine-member board, inaugurated by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, signals a strategic shift toward using sports not only for athletic excellence but also as a tool for economic growth, social development, and national cohesion.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, comes at a time when the Sports Ministry is undergoing significant restructuring.
Over the past year, the Ministry has embarked on reforms aimed at improving accountability, strengthening institutional frameworks, and redefining its operational priorities.
These changes, officials say, are necessary to reflect the dynamic nature of global sports management and the ambitions to harness the sector for national progress.
Kofi Adams, speaking during the inauguration, stressed the importance of the Advisory Board in driving this new vision.
He explained that the board is expected to play a more active, results-oriented role rather than a ceremonial or consultative one.
“This board is not just a consultative body; it is expected to be proactive and contribute meaningfully to our development goals,” he said.
He noted that the Ministry’s current focus aligns with the government’s agenda of prudent expenditure, institutional discipline, and innovative financing. One key initiative currently underway is the establishment of the long-awaited Sports Development Fund, which has been approved by Cabinet and is expected to be presented to Parliament soon.
The Fund aims to provide financial stability for major sports projects and guarantee the long-term sustainability of government-backed initiatives.
The new board reflects a deliberate effort to blend public sector expertise with private sector insight and sports industry experience. Its membership includes high-ranking government officials, technical experts, and prominent figures in the private sector. They are:
Kofi Iddie Adams (MP) — Minister and Chairman
Wilhelmina Asamoah — Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation
Amb. Alexander Grant Ntrakwa — Head of Delivery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Stephen Kwaku Owusu — Technical Advisor, Ministry of Education
Amerley Nuno-Amarteifio — Director, Legal, Ministry of Finance
Cleanse Tsonam Akpeloo — CEO, Suku Technologies; Representative, Association of Ghana Industries
COP Lydia Yaako Donkor — Director-General/CID (Private Sector Representative)
Abedi Ayew Pele — Former Black Stars Captain (Private Sector Representative)
Michael Esuon — Director, Finance & Administration, Ministry of Sports and Recreation (Secretary)
The inclusion of celebrated football icon Abedi Ayew Pele drew notable attention, with many seeing his presence as a strategic move to connect policy formulation with on-the-ground sporting experience.
His involvement, observers say, could influence new approaches to talent development, football management, and the commercialization of sports in Ghana.
Kofi Adams expressed strong confidence in the team, emphasizing that their diverse backgrounds would enrich policy discussions and improve decision-making.
