John Mahama Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Elevate Sports and Foster Talent in Ghana”
Author: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
In a dynamic address to the nation, former President and flag bearer of the NDC, John Mahama presented his comprehensive plan to revitalize sports and foster talent across Ghana, highlighting his commitment to turning the country into a beacon of athletic excellence.
He made the disclosures at an engagement with the media on Sunday, 7th July, 2024 at the Kempinski hotel in Accra.
Mahama began by emphasizing the importance of sports infrastructure development, promising significant investments to build and upgrade facilities nationwide.
“We recognize that sports infrastructure is fundamental to nurturing talent and promoting active lifestyles. Our administration will invest in state-of-the-art facilities to ensure our athletes have the best environments to train and compete,” Mahama stated.
He announced a multi-faceted approach to youth and grassroots development, aiming to identify and nurture young talents from an early age, “Our focus on grassroots sports programs will create a sustainable pipeline of athletes for the future. We will support local sports academies and provide resources to schools to integrate sports education into their curricula.”
Mahama also addressed the need to support lesser-known sports, ensuring they receive adequate funding and exposure.
He said “Ghana is home to a diverse range of sports, and it’s crucial that we support all of them. Our administration will allocate funds and resources to promote lesser-known sports, giving every athlete the opportunity to shine.”
In addition to infrastructure and grassroots development, Mahama laid out his vision for sports education and training programs. “We will enhance our sports education system by providing advanced training programs for coaches and sports professionals. This will ensure that our athletes receive the best guidance and support throughout their careers.”
He also expressed his ambition for Ghana to host major international sporting events, which would boost the country’s global standing and bring economic benefits.
“We aim to bid for and host international sporting events, showcasing Ghana’s talent and hospitality to the world. These events will stimulate local economies and inspire our youth.”
Mahama’s plan includes a strong focus on funding and sponsorship, outlining strategies to increase financial support for sports teams and athletes. “We will implement policies to attract sponsorship and funding, ensuring that our athletes have the resources they need to succeed at the highest levels.”
Promoting health and fitness was another key aspect of Mahama’s sports policy. “Our administration will launch health and fitness programs to encourage all Ghanaians to engage in regular physical activity. A healthy population is a productive population, and we are committed to fostering a culture of fitness.”
“We will ensure that all sports programs and facilities are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. No one should be left behind in our pursuit of sporting excellence.” The NDC flag bearer stated.
He also promised robust support for professional athletes, pledging to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for them to compete internationally. “Our professional athletes will receive comprehensive support, from training to financial assistance, enabling them to represent Ghana proudly on the global stage.”
Finally, Mahama spoke about the role of sports as a tool for social change and national unity. “Sports have the power to bring people together and foster national pride. We will implement programs that use sports to promote social cohesion and unity among all Ghanaians.”