Grassroots sports development is absolutely vital for the success of the Ghana Sports Fund. Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah, stated this repeatedly. He spoke on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, May 22. The fund aims to build a sustainable sports economy. It also seeks to develop future talents for Ghana.
Mr Ampofo-Ankrah emphasised that youth and community sports development are essential. They are key to the fund’s long-term vision. He described grassroots sports as “absolutely critical” to the initiative. He said that proper structures must be established first. These structures ensure the fund becomes sustainable and effective long-term. He stressed the importance of firm pillars. This prevents setbacks when the fund starts mobilising resources. The grassroots are where future talents are found.
This vision fits into Ghana’s broader economic development plans. Many countries use sports as a pillar for national growth. Morocco is a prime example. Mr Ampofo-Ankrah pointed to Morocco’s deliberate investment in sports. This has transformed the country over three decades. Morocco is now a major sporting hub. It is not just for Africa but globally. This success has led Morocco to co-host the next FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain. Such achievements require remarkable thinking and years of planning. Ghana has abundant sporting talent. However, it lacks the long-term structures to nurture it.
“These six-year-olds, seven-year-olds, whoever these talents that we have in abundance, the Michael Essiens and the Sulley Muntaris before them, they’re there,” Mr Ampofo-Ankrah said. He questioned how Ghana plans to protect and develop these talents sustainably. He explained that sports development should go beyond competition. It must contribute directly to the economy. This can happen through education, transfers, and contracts. Earnings from players abroad also contribute. He described this concept as “grassroots to GDP” (G2G). Sports can become a major economic driver if managed properly. Similar models in Francophone West African countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal show success. Young football talents are developed through education and sports. They then move abroad to play professionally, benefiting the nation economically. Structured percentages from contracts and transfers return to the country. This creates a continuous cycle of development and economic returns.
The Ghana Sports Fund must actively support this long-term approach. Any successful sports development agenda must be intentional and sustainable. It requires strong planning. This focus on grassroots development will shape the future of sports in Ghana. It will also impact the nation’s economy. Decision-makers and potential investors will watch closely. They will observe how the fund implements these strategies. The impact on job creation within the sports sector is also significant. This approach aims to maximise the economic benefits derived from sports talent. It seeks to create a consistent revenue stream for further development.