Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at enhancing sports development in Ghana should he be elected President. Speaking to the audience on Wednesday, Bawumia outlined his vision, which includes the establishment of an agency dedicated to driving sports advancement across the nation.
This initiative seeks to rally various stakeholders to revitalize Ghana’s sporting landscape, which has encountered challenges in recent times, particularly in football and track and field events.
“My government, as part of a comprehensive sports development agenda, will establish the Ghana School Sports Secretariat. This agency, operating under the auspices of the ministry responsible for sports, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Ghana Education Service (GES) and sports federations, will spearhead efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level,” he announced, underscoring the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.
Furthermore, Bawumia reiterated his commitment to forging strategic partnerships with international sports organizations to tap into the potential of Ghanaian youth. “We will seek strategic alliances with renowned sports bodies such as the NBA and NFL to position Ghana as a hub for emerging sports in Africa, creating abundant opportunities for our young people,” he affirmed, emphasizing the need for collaboration on a global scale to propel Ghanaian sports onto the international stage.
Citing past successes as evidence of his proactive approach to sports diplomacy, Bawumia referenced his engagement with the NFL, which led to Ghana hosting the inaugural NFL Flag Football event in Africa in 2022. “My government will also seek school-level collaboration with international sports bodies like the NBA and NFL to make Ghana a hub for these emerging sports in Africa, to create more opportunities for young people,” he continued, highlighting the positive outcomes of previous collaborations.
“We have already tried this with the NFL, the governing body for American Football, which agreed to host in Ghana, in 2022, the first-ever NFL Flag Football in Africa after my engagement with them. This paved the way for 10 young Ghanaians to be selected to the United States to represent Africa in a global NFL tournament last year. Another set of young Ghanaians, who were picked after the 2nd NFL Africa Football was also held in Ghana last year, are currently in the United States to represent Africa,” he recounted, pointing to tangible results achieved through international cooperation in sports.
In addition to fostering partnerships with global sports entities, Bawumia emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to enhance sports performance and competitiveness. He pledged to establish research centers and provide scholarships for sports science studies, aiming to equip athletes and coaches with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques.
As Bawumia concluded his address, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to transforming Ghana’s sports landscape, envisioning a future where Ghanaian athletes shine on the world stage. “Together, we can build a vibrant and inclusive sports ecosystem that empowers our youth, unites our nation, and brings glory to Ghana on the global platform,” he declared, inspiring hope and confidence in the potential of Ghanaian sports under his leadership.
