Ghana Sports Fund engages federations on funding opportunities and development goals

The Ghana Sports Fund has engaged more than 20 sports federations to discuss their operational challenges, grassroots development and the procedures for accessing financial support as part of efforts to establish a sustainable funding system for sports in the country.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the VIP Room of the Accra Sports Stadium, was led by the Fund’s Administrator, Dr. David Kofi Mawuvi Wuaku, and his deputy, Simon Appiah Junior.

The engagement forms part of the implementation of the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159), which seeks to provide a structured approach to sports financing and move the country away from emergency funding arrangements towards a more predictable and sustainable system.

Federations, including the Ghana Karate Federation and Ghana Rugby, were among the stakeholders engaged during the meetings, which are intended to gather feedback on the difficulties facing sports development beyond football.

Discussions also focused on the eligibility requirements, application procedures and responsibilities of federations seeking financial assistance from the Fund.

Under the Act, federations and associations in good standing with the National Sports Authority are eligible to apply for support through the Fund’s Administrator.

However, eligibility alone does not guarantee funding, as applications must satisfy the relevant requirements and undergo the established assessment process.

Addressing the stakeholders, Dr. Wuaku emphasised the importance of investment, accountability and collaboration in building a stronger sporting sector.

“Talent alone cannot build a sporting nation. It takes investment, discipline, accountability and a shared commitment to turn potential into performance.

As Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, I consider this engagement an important opportunity to strengthen our partnership and establish a clear, practical path towards sustainable sports financing in Ghana.

Our responsibility goes beyond mobilising resources. We must ensure that funding translates into improved athlete development, stronger federations, better sports infrastructure and measurable national achievements.

Today, I want us to move beyond discussing challenges and focus on the solutions, commitments and actions needed to advance Ghanaian sports.”

The Administrator also highlighted the legal framework underpinning the Fund, pointing to its mandate to provide sustainable financing for sports development and promote transparency in the mobilisation and management of resources.

Section 2 of the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159), identifies the provision of sustainable funding for sports development and sport for development as one of the Fund’s objectives. The legislation also seeks to facilitate transparency and accountability in sports financing.

Section 27(b) identifies federations and associations in good standing with the National Sports Authority as eligible beneficiaries, while Section 28(1) provides that eligible applicants may apply for support through the Administrator.

Dr. Wuaku urged the federations to take greater responsibility for their development programmes by presenting clear priorities, realistic budgets and proposals backed by measurable targets.

He also encouraged them to prioritise grassroots development, talent identification, coaching, athlete welfare and competitive readiness while strengthening their governance structures and financial reporting systems.

He stressed that federations must demonstrate how proposed investments would improve sporting outcomes and deliver value for money.

The Fund also outlined potential financing streams expected to support its operations, including regular government budget allocations beginning in 2027, a dedicated 10 per cent share of Gaming Commission revenue, corporate contributions supported by Ghana Revenue Authority tax credits, and a public fundraising initiative through a USSD shortcode.

These measures are expected to broaden the Fund’s resource base and create opportunities for greater private-sector participation in sports development.

Dr. Wuaku said the success of the initiative would depend not only on the amount of money mobilised but also on how effectively the resources were managed and the results they delivered.

“My message is simple: come prepared, plan strategically and demonstrate what your proposals can achieve.”

He further called on the federations to confirm their eligibility status, identify and rank their most pressing development needs, prepare credible funding proposals and strengthen their internal accountability mechanisms.

The stakeholders were also encouraged to explore sponsorship opportunities and build partnerships with corporate organisations, private investors and other development partners to complement public funding.

The Ghana Sports Fund says the engagement is intended to produce practical outcomes by establishing a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of both the Fund and the federations.

The initiative represents a step towards creating a more accountable and results-driven sports financing framework, with the ultimate objective of improving athlete development, strengthening sports administration, upgrading infrastructure and expanding opportunities across Ghana’s sporting disciplines.