Wa, Upper West Region – Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has praised the sweeping reforms being undertaken in Ghana’s sports and recreation sector under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, describing them as a bold intervention that is restoring sporting excellence, creating jobs for young people and strengthening grassroots development.
Addressing NDC grassroots members during an interactive engagement in the Upper West Region, Dr. Segbefia said the Mahama administration inherited a sports sector that had suffered years of neglect, deteriorating infrastructure and weak institutional support.
“When the NDC assumed office in January 2025, Ghana’s sports sector was in total decline.
Our stadia were deteriorating, AstroTurfs were poorly distributed and badly maintained, grassroots footballers lacked adequate support, and talented young people had no structured pathway to develop their potential. That was the unfortunate situation we inherited,” he said.
He argued that before the NDC returned to office, the sports and recreation sector was underfunded, poorly managed and unable to meet the aspirations of athletes and communities across the country.
“The sector was characterised by dilapidated infrastructure, weak school and grassroots sports systems, underfunding of local football and lesser-known sports, lack of transparency and accountability, and limited career support for athletes. Our sporting potential was being wasted while many regions outside Accra and Kumasi were left behind,” Dr. Segbefia stated.
According to him, the Mahama administration has since embarked on a comprehensive programme to revitalise the sector through major infrastructure development and institutional reforms.
He cited the emergency rehabilitation of the national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast and Sekondi to meet international standards, as well as the sod-cutting for the construction of a modern sports complex at Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale.
“The GHANASCO project demonstrates government’s commitment to expanding quality sports infrastructure. The complex will include an AstroTurf pitch, athletics track, floodlights, a 1,000-seat spectator stand, basketball and volleyball courts, and modern treatment facilities,” he explained.
Dr. Segbefia also highlighted government’s commitment to constructing modern sports stadia in the six newly created regions North East, Savannah, Oti, Ahafo, Bono East and Western North while completing stalled Youth Resource Centres to provide opportunities for young athletes nationwide.
On grassroots sports development, he commended the establishment of the School Sports Authority, saying it would provide a structured system for organising inter-school competitions and identifying talented athletes across the country.
“No talented child should be denied the opportunity to excel because of where he or she comes from. The School Sports Authority will ensure that gifted young people are identified early and given the support they need to succeed,” he said.
Dr. Segbefia further noted that government is strengthening support for Colts football, Division One, Division Two and Premier League clubs through enhanced incentives, while increasing investment in women’s football, para sports, juvenile competitions and other lesser-funded sporting disciplines.
He said the administration’s commitment to transparency, including the public disclosure of national team budgets and greater accountability in sports administration, would restore public confidence in the management of the sector.
“The days of secrecy in sports administration are over. Ghanaians deserve transparency, accountability and value for every pesewa invested in sports,” he stressed.
The aspiring National Vice Chairman also pointed to plans to upgrade the sports college at the University of Education, Winneba into a modern sports university specialising in sports medicine, sports science and sports management, as well as the establishment of Sports Centres of Excellence in the northern, middle and southern zones of the country.
He said government was equally committed to improving the welfare of athletes through consistent funding, pension schemes and post-career support.
According to Dr. Segbefia, the ongoing reforms extend beyond sports development and are expected to generate employment opportunities for artisans, engineers, coaches, referees, administrators and young entrepreneurs through the construction and management of sports facilities.
“Sports is no longer just about entertainment. Under President Mahama, sports has become a vehicle for youth employment, infrastructure development, national unity and economic transformation,” he remarked.
He encouraged NDC grassroots members to maximise the opportunities created by the reforms by organising community leagues, school competitions and constituency tournaments to engage young people and promote unity.
“I encourage every constituency to organise community competitions and NDC Unity Games. Sports has the power to unite people, reduce social vices and create platforms for us to engage communities while showcasing government’s achievements,” he said.
Dr. Segbefia also urged grassroots supporters to monitor sports projects within their districts and ensure transparency in the utilisation of public resources.
Concluding his address, he expressed confidence that the reforms would provide equal opportunities for talented young athletes across the country.
“Soon our young people will not have to travel long distances in search of quality sports facilities.
Children from every region will have the opportunity to develop their talents, represent Ghana and achieve their dreams.
When people see new sports facilities, thriving school competitions and opportunities for their children, they will know that the NDC is delivering real development. Sports builds hope, creates jobs and unites our nation,” Dr. Segbefia said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
