A growing show of bipartisan commitment marked Parliament on Thursday as lawmakers pledged portions of their salaries to kick-start the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, signaling a fresh push to stabilise sports financing in the country.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, set the tone by announcing he would donate two months of his salary to the fund, describing the gesture as a practical demonstration of leadership at a critical stage of implementation.
Addressing the House on the rollout of the Ghana Sports Fund Act, passed in 2025, the Minister stressed that the initiative was designed to provide sustainable, long-term funding for athlete development, infrastructure expansion and grassroots sports programmes.
Lawmakers across the aisle quickly followed suit. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Kwame Governs Agbodza, Cassiel Ato Forson, Dickson Kyere-Duah, Fred Agbenyo, Doyoe Ghansah and Kweku Ricketts-Hagan each pledged one month of their salaries, while Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor committed three months’ salary to the cause.
In addition, Joseph Kwame Kumah Adams, Member of Parliament for Kintampo North, donated GH¢30,000 in direct support of the fund.
Beyond Parliament, the private sector has begun responding. The National Investment Bank became the first corporate institution to contribute, donating GH¢100,000. The Minister urged other state-owned enterprises, private companies and development partners to follow suit as the fund enters its mobilisation phase.
Mr Adams emphasised that Ghana’s sports federations have long struggled with irregular funding, often preparing athletes for major competitions without financial certainty. He said the new fund seeks to break the cycle of emergency appeals and last-minute budget approvals.
He also called on the media to play an oversight role by helping the public understand the fund’s objectives and tracking how resources are utilised.
With lawmakers taking the lead and early corporate backing secured, attention now turns to whether the Ghana Sports Fund can evolve into a sustainable financing pillar for sports development nationwide.
