Ghana to Launch National Recreation Day and Overhaul Sports Development
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a National Recreation Day as part of efforts to promote community engagement and active lifestyles in Ghana.
Speaking during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, Mahama revealed that the initiative would be observed monthly alongside an annual National Recreation Festival.
“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,” he stated.
The initiative falls under the newly structured Ministry of Sports & Recreation, led by Kofi Iddie Adams.
Major Overhaul of Grassroots Sports and School Athletics
In addition to the National Recreation Day, Mahama announced a major transformation of grassroots sports development through the establishment of a School Sports Authority.
“We are implementing a significant overhaul of grassroots sports with the establishment of the School Sports Authority,” he said.
According to him, the new body will:
- Oversee structured inter-school competitions.
- Identify and nurture young sporting talents.
- Strengthen Ghana’s traditional pipeline for developing elite athletes.
“Over 60 percent of Ghana’s elite athletes have emerged from these school sports programmes,” Mahama noted, highlighting the importance of investing in youth sports.
Strengthening Sports Governance and Policy Reforms
President Mahama also outlined plans to enhance Ghana’s sports governance framework, ensuring it meets international standards.
- A new National Sports Policy will be developed to align with global best practices.
- The Sports Act of 2016 (Act 934) will undergo a comprehensive review.
- There will be rigorous enforcement of the Sports Regulations 2023 (LI 2477).
These reforms aim to improve transparency, boost funding for sports development, and ensure that Ghana’s sporting institutions are properly regulated.
Holding the Ghana Football Association Accountable
President Mahama also addressed the declining performance of the Black Stars, Ghana’s national men’s football team.
With Ghana set to play two World Cup qualifying matches next month, Mahama emphasized the need for greater accountability in football administration.
“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 stated.
The President’s remarks have sparked national discussions on sports funding, governance, and accountability, with many calling for a revamp of football administration in Ghana.
A New Era for Sports and Recreation in Ghana
With the introduction of National Recreation Day, the School Sports Authority, and a revamped national sports policy, Ghana is set for a new era of sports development and recreational engagement.
Mahama’s vision aims to boost grassroots sports, promote community participation, and ensure financial accountability in Ghanaian sports administration.
Source: ModernGhana