sports

Sports Minister Kofi Adams has dismissed claims that the government plans to introduce a new tax to finance its proposed Sports Fund.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 8, Mr Adams clarified that the government’s proposal only seeks to allocate a percentage of existing levies to support sports development, not to create an entirely new tax.

“We are not introducing a tax,” the Buem MP said. “But since those already exist, we are putting some levies on them and taking a percentage of them. That’s all that we are going to do.”

Minister Kofi Adams

The Minister explained that the bill establishing the Sports Fund has already been submitted to Cabinet for approval and will be forwarded to Parliament without any new tax provisions.

“The bill that we have sent to Cabinet for approval, that is to be sent to Parliament, does not have any such provision of a new tax,” he emphasised.

“If Parliament, in their wisdom, decides that they want to impose a tax to generate this fund, that will be Parliament’s decision, not what we are proposing now.”

When asked whether the Finance Minister might introduce a new tax for sports in the 2026 budget, Mr Adams said that would depend entirely on the Finance Ministry and Parliament.

“Well, I don’t know what the Finance Minister is going to do as far as taxation issues are concerned,” he stated. “Surely, he will take it to Parliament. If Parliament approves, fine.”

The Minister also revealed that while initial revenue from the Sports Fund may not be large, it is expected to grow over time as data collection and compliance improve.

“I know initially it will not be much,” he said. “But as it drives on and we begin to capture a lot of data, it will go into millions.”

Mr Adams also responded to questions about the recently scrapped betting tax, which was widely criticised as a “nuisance tax.”

He said that although it could have been a potential source of funding, its implementation made it unpopular and ineffective.

“When something is good and is done badly, it becomes difficult to immediately change it and say that, because you are having these good intentions, let’s just drift it that way,” he said. “It doesn’t work that way.”

He noted that if the betting tax had been used strictly to support sports development, it could have made a meaningful impact.

“It would have been if, when they did that, it was being used for sports and not collecting it and using it for many other things that were unnecessary,” he argued.

Outlining the purpose of the Sports Fund, Mr Adams said it would be used to support infrastructure, athlete development, and key sporting disciplines such as football, athletics, boxing, volleyball, and hockey.

“The Sports Fund will support sports infrastructure,” he said. “It will support the growth of especially key sports areas. Football is one of them, and athletics. I love athletics so much, sitting here, but we have not funded it enough.”

He lamented the poor state of facilities in many schools, saying the lack of proper tracks and training infrastructure has limited Ghana’s ability to produce world-class athletes.

“We have not funded it enough. How many tracks do we have? Many schools are still running on undulating pitches where you have to look where to step because there are so many holes in the tracks. There’s no way you can produce Olympic green athletes if you have such pitches.”

According to him, the Sports Fund will be managed by professional fund managers and not by political appointees.

Beneficiaries will have to apply, justify their requests, and account for previous support before receiving additional funds.

“It’s not going to be free money that you just come and take without accounting for any improvement,” he said.

“If you are supported, you have to prove that you have done something meaningful with the previous support before you qualify for another.”

Mr Adams concluded by stressing that Ghana could replicate the success stories of other nations that have used sports funds to nurture world champions.

“Look, the Anthony Joshuas and the rest that came here—it was out of the British Sports Fund that they created, that has supported athletes and created big-time boxers and world champions for them,” he said. “We can also do that again.”Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

KGL Foundation proudly announced its continuous support for juvenile football by championing the just ended U-17 Football Tournament, aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting sportsmanship among the youth in Ghana. This significant initiative reflects the KGL Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sports, education, and community engagement.

Launched in 2021 and now in its fifth edition, the KGL U-17 inter-regional championship has firmly established itself as Ghana’s premier platform for identifying and nurturing emerging football talent. The nine-day tournament showcased some of Ghana’s best young football talent, with the finale held on September 27, 2025 at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex, marking the culmination of an inspiring tournament, reinforcing the Foundation’s dedication to nurturing future sports stars.

 

Greater Accra’s prodigy Jeremiah Abalo emerged the Overall Best Player, and although the midfielder’s team missed out on the trophy, his exceptional performances throughout the championship was duly recognised, earning him the top award. Throughout the tournament, Jeremiah Abalo starred with his displays, exciting supporters with his skill and vision at both the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence and the McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

His outstanding performances inspired Greater Accra to a commendable fourth-place finish as the side finished behind bronze medalists Central Region, dethroned champions Western Region, and the Ashanti Region team that eventually finished as champions.

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship came to an end last Saturday, with Ashanti Region crowned champions for the second time following a 2-1 victory over defending champions Western Region in a thrilling finale.
Among the individual award winners, Western Region’s Frank Abu claimed the Best Goalkeeper Award after a series of commanding displays that not only helped his team reach the final to secure the silver medal but also caught the eye of many who followed the tournament.

Ashanti Region’s attackers Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer honours, after each scored seven goals to lead their team to clinch the trophy. Their teammate, Kelvin Baffoe, was also named Most Promising Player, underlining Ashanti’s dominance in both team and individual awards.

The 2025 edition saw an expansion, featuring 12 teams that included all ten Regional Football Associations, along with the two GFA Elite Academies. This ensured a full nationwide representation and intense competition that provided a platform for top talents.
The tournament, which is backed by a five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy.

Highlighting his commitment to youth development, the CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey underscored the foundation’s commitment to the U-17 football tournament. “At KGL Foundation, we are deeply committed to empowering our youth through sports. This tournament was not only about competition but also about fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership among young athletes,” Elliot Dadey reiterated.

Established as the corporate social responsibility arm of the KGL Group, the Foundation was created not just to give back, but to reimagine what social responsibility looks like in the Ghanaian landscape. It was a response to a deeper calling: that true transformation doesn’t come from the outside— it begins from within.

Elliot Dadey, CEO of the KGL Foundation, aptly puts it: “Our approach is simple, yet deeply intentional: we go into communities, we listen, we learn, and we co-create. We engage not as distant donors, but as equal partners—collaborating with those who live the realities we seek to improve. Together, we design solutions that are rooted in local context, cultural relevance, and shared ownership.”
With a strong focus on innovation, connection, and people empowerment, the Foundation operates across five key thematic areas in sports, arts and culture, youth empowerment, health and education, where their interventions are making a lasting difference.

The KGL Foundation has been the title sponsor for the Millennium Marathon for three years. This arrangement does not imply ownership, and no corporate contributions from other sponsors have been directed to our accounts.

The KGL Group values its partnership with the NLA and remains committed to supporting its initiatives, including ongoing contributions to the Good Causes Foundation. Our key contributions include:
1. ⁠GH₵6,000,000.00 paid to the NLA Good Causes Foundation (2021-2024).

1. ⁠GH₵9,000,000.00 paid to the NLA Stabilization Fund (2022-2024).

2. ⁠Over GH₵6 million spent on NLA Live Draws and Brennan Hall rehabilitation.

3. ⁠Over GH₵7 million in sponsorships for the NLA’s conferences and staff welfare.

In alignment with Section 2(3) of the National Lotto Act, 2000 (Act 722), the KGL Foundation has committed millions towards:
1. ⁠Constructing a new Mental Health Facility in Kumasi.

1. ⁠Developing infrastructure for the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

2. ⁠Supporting national health institutions with donations.

3. ⁠Providing aid for Keta flood victims.

4. ⁠Renovating developmental schools nationwide.

5. ⁠Offering scholarships to over 150 brilliant but needy children annually.

The KGL Group is dedicated to maintaining a strong working relationship with the National Lottery Authority and will continue collaborating with the Authority to support its commendable efforts in the area of corporate social responsibility.

 

The Ashanti Region has emerged victorious in the 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship, claiming their second title after a thrilling 2-1 win over defending champions Western Region in the finale.

The championship, now in its fifth edition, has solidified its position as Ghana’s premier platform for discovering and nurturing emerging football talent.

 

Jeremiah Abalo from Greater Accra was named the Overall Best Player, despite his team missing out on the podium.

Abalo’s exceptional performances throughout the tournament earned him widespread acclaim.

Ashanti Region’s Agyei Duah and Alidu Issah shared the Top Scorer honors, each netting seven goals to lead their team to victory.

Western Region’s Frank Abu claimed the Best Goalkeeper Award after a series of commanding displays that helped his team reach the final.

Kelvin Baffoe from Ashanti Region was named Most Promising Player, highlighting the region’s dominance in both team and individual accolades .

The 2025 KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship featured 12 teams, including all ten Regional Football Associations and the two GFA Elite Academies, ensuring nationwide representation and intense competition.

The championship provides a vital pathway for young players to be scouted, trained, and groomed for national youth teams, while offering Premier League and Division One clubs a fertile ground for talent discovery.

The KGL U-17 Inter-Regional Championship has once again showcased the depth of Ghana’s youth football and reinforced its role in shaping the country’s next generation of stars.

With a landmark five-year, $1 million partnership with the KGL Foundation, the championship remains a cornerstone of the Ghana Football Association’s grassroots development strategy .

Source: tntnewspapergh.com

The KGL Group of companies celebrated the successful culmination of the 2025 Democracy Cup, a civic-sporting initiative championed by Speaker Alban Bagbin and Parliament of Ghana that uses football’s unifying power to strengthen democratic values and engage Ghana’s youth. As a lead sponsor, KGL Group stood centre across the Democracy Cup’s symbolic journey from launch to final showdown — underscoring the company’s mission to be a force for good in the communities it serves.

 

“At the KGL Group — of which I have the honour to serve as Executive Chairman — we are a proudly Ghanaian and leading African tech conglomerate,” said Mr. Alex Apau Dadey. “We believe that true success lies in our ability to give back meaningfully to the communities we serve. Our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship is not just an obligation — it is a deep, enduring conviction that drives everything we do. Entrepreneurship without philanthropy doesn’t mean anything.”
The 2025 edition of the Democracy Cup, which marked its finale on Friday, 5th September at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, became a melting pot of voices and passions — bringing together political leaders, civic actors, football enthusiasts, students, and everyday spectators in a powerful celebration of Ghana’s democratic journey.”. The programme — designed to bring Parliament closer to citizens — travelled to key governance institutions across the country, including the palace of traditional rulers, the Armed Forces high command, the Electoral Commission, and the Chief Justice’s office before reaching the Presidency, and this year the organisers announced plans to expand the initiative internationally to Germany and the United Kingdom.
President John Dramani Mahama, who performed the ceremonial kickoff at the finale, captured the spirit of the initiative: “This cup is not just a trophy but a national symbol. … May this cup remind us daily that democracy is not an event but a living process — one we must all work together to protect and deepen for generations to come.” The President praised the Democracy Cup’s youth-focused approach, noting that football communicates democratic principles — rules, fairness, discipline and mutual respect — in ways that resonate with young people. The President concluded by accepting the Democracy Cup not as personal recognition but on behalf of all Ghanaians, whose resilience and faith continue to sustain the nation’s democracy.
The matchday programme featured an inspiring curtain-raiser pitting a Parliamentary XI, captained by former Black Stars midfielder Agyemang Badu, against a Judiciary XI led by John Mensah and including five former national stars, followed by a local derby between Accra Great Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak — a symbolic display of democratic institutions in healthy competition.

The main event saw an opening half which was evenly contested, with Hearts creating more openings but Olympics holding firm. In the second half, Hearts raised their tempo following key substitutions, and the breakthrough arrived in the 70th minute. Substitute Kwesi Asmah latched onto a precise pass and fired home from inside the box to seal the win. Accra Hearts of Oak emerged 1–0 winners over Accra Great Olympics, ending an eight-game winless run for the Phobians against their city rivals. Kwesi Asmah’s composed finish settled an intense encounter before a packed stadium that included the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, GFA President Kurt Okraku, football association dignitaries, corporate partners and spectators.

“The Democracy Cup is a vivid example of how the private sector …can foster civic engagement and rally the energy of Ghanaians “At KGL Group, we have always believed that our success means little if it does not translate into progress for the communities we serve. The Democracy Cup is more than football — it is about strengthening the values that hold our society together — because building a just, united, and hopeful nation is work we must all do together,” said the executive chairman of the KGL Group.
The final showdown also highlighted new partnerships and opportunities emerging from the tournament.

As part of its growing international footprint, Hearts of Oak will travel to Germany to face a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent. Beyond the football, supporters were treated to a vibrant matchday experience — from partner giveaways and Man of the Match awards to exciting fan raffles — all reinforcing the Democracy Cup’s mission to blend the passion of sport with the principles of civic education. The 2025 edition closed not just as a game, but as a celebration of democracy, unity, and the enduring power of football to inspire national pride.

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Black Stars to give their all and secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The President made this passionate appeal when he visited the team’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, March 19, 2024. His visit comes at a crucial time as the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

Ghana’s senior national team has endured a difficult period, having missed out on the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and suffered early exits in previous tournaments. Acknowledging these struggles, Mahama assured the players that the nation still believes in them.

President Mahama interacting with Black Stars prayers

“We didn’t qualify for AFCON. But even when we did, we crashed out very early the last time. And so, we haven’t given up on you,” he told the team.

He emphasized that restoring the Black Stars’ reputation requires a collective effort from the players, technical staff, and management.

“We still believe that the Black Stars can find its glory again. And it’s dependent on you, the technical team, and the management committee,” Mahama stated, urging unity and dedication.

The President also reminded the players of the unwavering support they receive from Ghanaians, encouraging them to bring the same level of passion they show at club level to the national team.

“The goals will come from these feet that are right here. And so, it takes sacrifice. It takes strength. We all like to watch you when you play for your clubs, and we expect that you bring some of that dedication to the national team,” he added.

The Black Stars will face Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar on March 24. These matches are crucial in Ghana’s bid to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the team is intensifying preparations to achieve their goal.

 

The Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Prof. Amin Alhassan, has clarified that the media house received $105,000, and not $3 million as stated by Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Prof. Amin Alhassan  and  Mustapha Ussif

Responding to a query from Sam Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, about the payment status for coverage, Mustapha had stated that full payment had been made.

“GBC was the official broadcaster for the 13th All African Games, and I can confirm that full payment has been made to GBC. I can’t remember the exact amount but I know that it is in the excess of $3 million,” he said.

But reacting to the comment, Prof. Alhassan refuted the claims made by the Minister in an interview on GTV.

“We facilitated payments to foreign third parties who came in to do the production and not for the benefit of GBC. GBC’s benefit, I repeat, $105,000 and that is what we got.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry is yet to react to the counter-response from GBC.

 

Prior to the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifying match against the Central African Republic on Monday night, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, visited the players and the team management.

At the Baba Yara Stadium, the four-time African champions take on the Central African Republic’s Wild Beast at 7:00 p.m.

However, the Vice President, who doubles as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has inspired the players to perform well in their matchup with Central Africa Republic.

He was accompanied by the Sports Minister, Ussif Mustapha.

The entourage was received by the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku and head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo.

“An incredible boost of support from the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as he visits our team ahead of tonight’s game against Central African Republic” a post shared on the Black Stars platform on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ghana’s group is widely open, with all teams having a fair chance after three rounds of matches. The four-time Africa champions are tied on six points with Madagascar and Comoros.

 

The aforementioned countries are closely followed by Mali with four points and the Central African Republic also with four points, while Chad is at the bottom with no points.

However, the Black Stars must ensure they secure maximum points over the Wild Beast on home turf to push them further on the standings in Group I.

As the match draws closer, fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. With the Baba Yara Stadium set to be filled to capacity, the atmosphere promises to be electric, providing the Black Stars with the support they need to secure victory.

A win for Ghana will see them claim nine points from their opening four games having lost to Comoros last year.

Source:myghanamedia@gmail.com

 

Returnee Black Stars coach Otto Addo on Tuesday expressed his excitement to be back at the helm of the senior national team as he announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

“I’m really really excited, happy to be back. It was not easy but the FA had a lot of talk with Dortmund and even though I still have one more year contract, we managed to get out and I’m happy to be home and I’m back home now. I’m really really excited,

I’m looking forward to the first match, (it) will be difficult, very, very difficult especially as we are some points behind the first placed, and as you know only the first-placed will qualify, tough situation but yea, I’m looking forward for the game and I think we will manage it,” said Otto Addo shortly before he announced his squad.

Otto Addo

Otto Addo’s squad begins camping on Thursday, May 30.

The players are:

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Wollacott, Frederick Asare.

Defenders: Gideon Mensah, Ebenezer Annan, Mohammed Salisu, Jerome Opoku, Abdul Mumin, Alexander Djiku and Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey

Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Edmund Addo, Elisha Owusu and Abu Francis.

Forwards: Osman Bukari, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ibrahim Osman Kamaldeen Sumenana and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Ghana will face Mali on June 6 before facing the Central African Republic on June 10.

Otto Addo resigned as Black Stars coach in December 2022 after the team’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup following a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in their final Group H match. He however insisted his resignation was in keeping with his then existing contractual terms with German football side, Dortmund, rather than the result of the match.

He had taken over the Black Stars coaching job back in February following the dismissmal of Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.

 

Source: Lawrence Degraft Baidoo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the playing body of Asante Kotoko to turn their ailing season around in the final stretch of the campaign after their recent misfortunes.

Kotoko are winless in seven games in the Ghana Premier League and occupy the 11th position after 26 genes played.

The team met the Asantehene who opened discussions with the players and technical team to determine the issues accountable for their poor performances.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene

He also used the opportunity to address the team’s grievances.

In his discussion with the team, he stated explicitly that “no member of the team works for any individual but him, and therefore should put their differences aside and fight for the team, as he won’t watch the team go down under his reign.”

“I am expecting something better from you,” said Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

“Prove to me that you are capable and if the coach is the problem, then I will take a decision on him. But for now, make sure you go and play and win.”

The Porcupine Warriors take on league leaders FC Samartex on Sunday on matchday 27 of the league looking to bounce back to winning ways.

Firstly, I thank the Almighty God for His Grace and Blessings working at the National Sports Authority (NSA) as Director General well over five (5) years. I’m grateful to the President H E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing me into such a high office, serving over 50 Sports Associations, developing grassroot sports in all the 16 Administrative Regions, managing all sports facilities in the country and creating new ones, and providing sports services to the over 32 million Ghanaians, and billions of people across the globe.

Prof.Peter Twumasi

In this period Ghana has seen unprecedented sports infrastructure development (over 150 Astroturfs constructed anew, 10 multipurpose stadia, infrastructure for hosting for the first time African Games etc), winning Olympic medal first in 30 years, increased medal winnings at African Games and Commonwealth Games, and so on and so forth.

It was during this period we successfully hosted all qualifiers in our stadia for AFCONs and World Cup, qualifying for Qatar 2022 after missing the 2018 World Cup.The NSA despite its financial constraints intensified innovative IGF activities to self-finance almost all of its activities.

The Authority in this era also increased its workforce by about 100%, making our presence felt in all the 16 Administrative Regions and some districts.

I thank my family for their support and patience as I got fully occupied and engaged with these national assignments. I thank the enthusiastic staff of NSA for their dedication to work and their support to realize all these achievements.

I also express my gratitude to the Media, especially those in sports for your effectiveness in transmitting the sports products and services to the enjoyment of our people.

I take this opportunity to wish my brother Hon Dodzie Numekevor the very best as he takes over the baton in leading NSA. I appeal to the staff and entire sports fraternity to support him to deliver on the mandates assigned him.

May God bless everyone who supported me in diverse ways to offer my services to our beloved country.

Thank you.

Prof Peter Twumasi