The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has formally inaugurated a nine-member Ministerial Advisory Board, a move officials describe as crucial to strengthening the country’s sports development agenda.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room and chaired by Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, signalled a renewed drive to position sports as a central tool for national progress. In his address, the Minister stressed that the board will play a pivotal role in guiding policy, refining strategy and supporting the Ministry’s ongoing structural reforms.
Adams noted that his administration is focused on aligning systems and operations to meet the demands of Ghana’s expanding sports landscape. He urged the board to move beyond consultation and provide practical, forward-looking recommendations that advance national goals. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to responsible spending and ensuring that the Ministry’s work feeds directly into economic growth and broader development objectives. This, he said, includes leveraging sports to support sanitation campaigns, combat illegal mining and strengthen governance at the community level.
The Minister also revealed that Cabinet has instructed the Ministry to complete work on the long-awaited Sports Development Fund, which is expected to be presented to Parliament soon. Once approved, the fund is expected to unlock financing for major projects and provide sustained support for the Ministry’s programmes.
The newly constituted advisory board brings together experienced figures from public service, diplomacy, law, education, industry and sports. Its members are:
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Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams (MP) — Minister and Chairman
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Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah — Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation
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Amb. Alexander Grant Ntrakwa — Head of Delivery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu — Technical Advisor, Ministry of Education
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Ms. Amerley Nuno-Amarteifio — Director of Legal, Ministry of Finance
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Mr. Cleanse Tsonam Akpeloo — CEO, Suku Technologies; AGI representative
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COP Lydia Yaako Donkor — Director-General/CID, Private Sector
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Mr. Abedi Ayew Pele — Former Black Stars captain, Private Sector
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Mr. Michael Esuon — Director of Finance & Administration, Ministry of Sports and Recreation (Secretary)
The presence of football icon Abedi Pele drew particular attention, with many seeing his appointment as a signal of the Ministry’s determination to blend administration with elite sporting insight.
Adams praised the collective expertise of the board members and pledged to give serious consideration to all recommendations that enhance operations, improve staff welfare and elevate service delivery. He also acknowledged the dedication of the Ministry’s Chief Director and staff, noting their role in driving recent reforms.
Speaking on Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Minister insisted that the country aims to go beyond participation, focusing on extracting long-term developmental value from the global event. He underscored the need for deliberate planning to ensure sports continue to serve as a catalyst for social and economic impact.
He closed by assuring the board of his unwavering support, reiterating that collaboration will be key to achieving the Ministry’s ambitions for Ghana’s sports ecosystem.