By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Nov. 15, GNA – Some sports enthusiasts in Ho have expressed mixed reactions about the 2026 budget, describing the government’s allocations to the sports sector as inadequate and lacking strategic focus despite progress in economic and fiscal areas.
The budget, presented on Thursday, November 13, by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance outlined four key commitments to the sports sector, including GHS200 million for the construction of mini sports stadia in three of the eight regions without such facilities.
The new stadia were expected to support multi-purpose sports activities such as athletics, volleyball and boxing.
Additionally, GHS150 million had been dedicated to the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup campaign, while the government pledged broader investments in talent development, athlete welfare and sports infrastructure.
The some of the sports enthusiasts told Ghana News Agency that the plans overlooked critical opportunities to energise local sporting communities.
“This government is very good at grabbing low-hanging fruits, so we were surprised they ignored obvious wins.
“The Black Queens deserved a mention after winning bronze at the Women’s AFCON and qualifying for 2026. A little support there would have been a huge Public Relations boost,” a football fan remarked.
Others questioned why the Black Stars, who often received substantial private sponsorship, were allocated GHS150 million, while no focus was given to youth teams, especially local league teams.
“A simple reference to U-17 development would have sent a strong message. Everyone knows a strong U-17 side is a pathway to a stronger senior team,” Mr Komla Ekpah, a local coach stated.
The sports fans also pointed to the omission of funding for Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Senior Africa Athletics Championships, which the country was set to host in July 2026.
They noted that early budgetary support could attract corporate partners and boost national readiness.
Others expressed disappointment that recent challenges in the boxing sector marked by two avoidable athlete deaths did not prompt clear government commitments to reform.
One enthusiast said, “This was a chance to show seriousness about safety and regulation, but nothing was said.”
They concluded that although the overall budget showed discipline and economic stability, the sports component fell short of their expectations.
They urged policymakers to recognise that sports development remained a powerful national asset.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo