The Minister Designate for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has pledged to promote the development of all sports disciplines in Ghana, moving beyond the football-centric focus of previous administrations.
Under the leadership of Mustapha Ussif during the NPP government, the Sports Ministry faced criticism for prioritizing the Black Stars while sidelining other sports.
Addressing this concern, Adams, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency, emphasized the importance of a more inclusive approach.
In an interview with GHOne TV, he acknowledged the cultural and emotional significance of the Black Stars to Ghanaians but stressed the need to give equal attention to other sports.
“Sports is not football; sports is not just the Black Stars. Sports go beyond football, and football should go beyond the Black Stars. But, of course, the Black Stars are the ultimate. We want to see our Black Stars back again,” he said.
“Black Stars have their management, Black Queens have their management, and badminton has its management… As a sports minister, you are responsible for all of these federations; you are not only responsible for the Black Stars.”
“But whatever leadership you must offer to the other federations and associations to make sure that each and every one of them succeeds, I will do so.”
Adams highlighted that his leadership would extend to all sports federations, from football to badminton, and promised to foster success across the board.
He also reassured Ghanaians that football, the nation’s favorite sport, would not be overlooked.
“I know that football is the nation’s love, and so you don’t reduce your attention on what the nation loves, but you develop all other sports because everything must be developed holistically,” he added.
The 49-year-old nominee is set to undergo vetting before potentially replacing Mustapha Ussif, who served as Sports Minister since 2021 under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.