Ghana's Sports Authority launches bold new committee to attract private investment

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has taken a decisive step toward transforming Ghanaian sports by inaugurating a five-member Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee. The move signals a clear shift from relying on government funding to building a sustainable, investment-driven future for sports in Ghana.

The committee will spearhead efforts to secure financial and non-financial resources for the Reset Ghana Sports Agenda, focusing on infrastructure, athlete development, youth empowerment and sports administration. This is a strategic pivot that could unlock new opportunities for athletes, businesses and communities across the country.

Why is Ghana changing its sports funding model?

Speaking at the inauguration on July 14, 2026, NSA Board Chairman Dr Fred Awaah made it clear that the old ways of funding sports are no longer sufficient. Traditional state funding alone cannot meet the growing demands of Ghanaian sports, he said, calling for innovative financing models and diversified revenue streams.

Dr Awaah emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with the private sector and international development agencies. He framed the committee's work as part of a broader transformation agenda, stating:

This inauguration is not a mere ceremonial gathering. It represents the concrete execution of our overarching research and transformation agenda.

Who are the five members driving sports partnerships?

The committee brings together experienced leaders from sports, business and development. Samson Deen chairs the committee, with Yaw Ampofo Ankrah serving as co-chairperson. Hadia Zainab Suleimani, Alhaji Umutawotu Igbukis and Mavis Ekuya Enyama Kwenu, who also serves as secretary, complete the team.

Dr Awaah challenged the members to identify credible local and international partners and pursue high-value opportunities that deliver measurable results for athletes, sports federations and communities. He stressed that partnerships should go beyond money, including technical expertise, equipment, infrastructure support, capacity building and exposure for Ghanaian athletes.

What does the committee plan to deliver?

Samson Deen, chairman of the committee, responded with a clear pledge: this is not a ceremonial appointment but a call to action.

Our acceptance of this role is a call to action,

he said, adding that the committee's mandate includes mobilising resources, building credible partnerships and supporting the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure.

Deen outlined an ambitious vision:

Our mandate is not simply to raise money for sport. Our mandate is to build a credible system that connects talent, investment, partnerships and national opportunity.

He also stressed that resource mobilisation must move Ghanaian sport from emergency funding to strategic investment.

How will grassroots sports benefit from this initiative?

A key priority for the committee is identifying and developing talent at the grassroots level, particularly through initiatives like the Constituency Games. Deen envisions every constituency becoming a talent-discovery hub, a centre of community pride and a platform for opportunity.

The committee will engage corporate Ghana, development institutions, diplomatic missions, international sports organisations, communities and the media. Every partnership will be built on clear objectives, transparency and measurable deliverables.

What does this mean for Ghana's sports economy?

This initiative represents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors looking to engage with Ghanaian sports. With a transparent framework and a focus on measurable impact, the NSA is positioning Ghana as an attractive destination for sports investment in Africa.

The committee is expected to begin its engagements with key stakeholders as it develops strategies to attract investment and partnerships. For Ghanaian athletes, sports federations and communities, the promise is clear: a more sustainable, better-funded and more competitive sports sector.

Photo: GhanaWeb