The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised an equitable distribution of resources into sports and an end to the fixation with football.
For years, Ghana’s national teams have received next to no support, with the country heavily favouring the national football team, the Black Stars.
This, according to the NDC, has been inimical to the growth of other disciplines. To this end, the party has promised to end this, should they be voted into office in the December elections.
“We will ensure an equitable investment in other national teams, such as women’s football teams, parasports teams, juvenile teams and lesser-known sports.”
Here is the full list of the NDC’s promises for sports:
1. Support the development of Colts, Division One and Two and the Ghana Premier League by augmenting the salaries of all registered footballers with allowances.
2. Undertake emergency refurbishment of pitches, tracks and other facilities at our national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast and Sekondi to meet FIFA standards.
3. Pursue our long-standing policy of establishing international standard stadia in all regions.
4. Build more multi-purpose sports facilities to promote regional sporting events and inter-school competitions as part of our talent development policy.
5. Ensure equitable investments in other national teams, such as women’s football teams, parasports teams, juvenile teams and lesser-known sports.
6. Upgrade the UEW Sports College into a modern sports university offering training programmes in sports, related medicine, science and sports management/administration at campuses around Ghana.
7. Establish Sports Centres of Excellence in the northern, middle and southern zones in collaboration with existing universities and the private sector.
8. Support national athletes more consistently to compete internationally and develop postcompetition careers and pension schemes to cater for national athletes.
9. Offer scholarships to promising sports talents and invest in the establishment of sports academies in partnership with the private sector.
10. Support retired sports personalities in pursuing other sports-related careers after an active sporting life