Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has outlined Ghana’s renewed vision for sports development, placing strong emphasis on revitalising school sports and expanding public-private partnerships to drive long-term growth.
Speaking at the Basketball Africa League and NBA Investor Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 22, 2026, the Sports Minister said Ghana is determined to rebuild its sporting future by identifying talent early and creating sustainable opportunities across the sector.
According to Hon. Adams, strengthening school sports remains central to the government’s strategy.
“We want to catch young talent early by making school sports strong again,” he said. “That means giving kids in classrooms and on playgrounds the coaching, facilities, and competitions that turn raw energy into skill and discipline. This is where future champions and a healthier generation begin.”
He stressed that meaningful progress in sports development requires collaboration between government and private investors, insisting that the state alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.
Hon. Adams explained that Ghana is seeking to attract investment, innovation, and expertise into sports infrastructure, competitions, and development programmes through stronger partnerships with the private sector.
“It’s a shared mission,” he stated. “Public vision meets private resources to create opportunities that last.”
The high-level panel discussion focused on how sports and infrastructure development can be leveraged to stimulate economic growth and sustainable progress across Africa.
Hon. Adams shared the platform with Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. Discussions centred on investment opportunities within Africa’s sports industry and strategies to secure its long-term sustainability.
Touching on Ghana’s broader vision under President John Dramani Mahama, the Sports Minister highlighted the need for greater freedom of movement across the continent.
“Africa should be able to travel freely among its nations,” he said, arguing that easier movement across borders would significantly boost both sports development and economic integration.
Hon. Adams also underscored the importance of grassroots initiatives and youth development structures in producing elite athletes.
“If we want to produce elite athletes, we must build a strong foundation,” he noted. “Ghana has established structures like the Grassroots Sports Secretariat and the School Sports Organization to nurture young talent from an early age.”
While acknowledging government efforts, he maintained that effective Public-Private Partnership frameworks are essential to attract investor confidence and provide clear pathways for participation.
“A clear and well-defined PPP structure is essential so investors know the proper channels to follow,” he explained.
The Minister concluded with a call for Africa to redefine its place in the global sports industry.
“Africa must be recognized as a production line for sports, not just a market for athletes. We need to create opportunities here for our athletes to develop and excel,” he said.
The summit drew the attendance of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, government officials from several countries, NBA executives, and current and former basketball stars, all united by a common vision of using sport as a driver of social and economic transformation.
As Africa’s sports ecosystem continues to expand, Hon. Adams reiterated Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the continent moves beyond participation to become a major hub for producing world-class athletes and sports entrepreneurs.
