The Ghana Sports Fund is demanding more from national sports federations before releasing financial support. Dr David Kofi Wuaku, the Fund’s Administrator, told federation representatives in Accra that their applications must include clear, measurable goals and detailed plans showing how funding will directly benefit athlete development and sporting results.
Speaking on a recent date not disclosed publicly, Dr Wuaku insisted federations take full ownership of their development agendas. “Identify your priority needs, prepare credible proposals, establish realistic budgets and measurable targets, and demonstrate how the support you seek will improve athlete development and sporting performance,” he said. The call came amid efforts to establish a sustainable financing framework for sports across Ghana.
The Ghana Sports Fund was created under the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159). The legislation specifies that federations and associations in good standing with the National Sports Authority may apply for funding. However, Dr Wuaku made clear that eligibility alone does not guarantee financial support. “Applications must meet the applicable requirements and pass through the relevant assessment and approval processes before funding can be granted,” he said.
Dr Wuaku described the current phase as an engagement to better understand the operational, technical, and financial challenges facing different sports disciplines. He urged federations to improve governance, financial reporting, and strategic planning. “Federations must demonstrate what they intend to achieve, how proposed interventions would be implemented and how their impact would be measured,” he added.
The Administrator also encouraged federations to cultivate partnerships beyond government funding. He suggested corporate Ghana, private investors, and development partners could play a role in sustaining sports development. “Reliance on funding requests alone would not provide a sustainable basis for sports development,” Dr Wuaku said.
The insistence on measurable targets and credible proposals comes as the Ghana Sports Fund aims to establish a transparent, accountable financing system. Dr Wuaku emphasised that the Fund’s effectiveness will depend on the readiness and cooperation of federations. He said stronger strategic planning and effective administration are essential across the sector.
The Ghana Sports Fund Act 2025 is the latest government effort to inject structure and sustainability into sports financing. But Dr Wuaku’s message to federations is clear: access to money requires more than good standing. Federations must prove they can manage funds responsibly, implement plans effectively, and deliver results on the ground.
At the meeting, federation representatives were confronted with the reality that future funding will not be automatic or unconditional. Instead, detailed, actionable plans with measurable outcomes will be the baseline for consideration. The Fund’s approach could reshape how sports development projects are proposed and evaluated nationwide.
Dr Wuaku’s focus on governance, financial reporting, and partnership development signals a shift toward professionalising sports administration in Ghana. The Ghana Sports Fund’s future disbursements will depend on federations demonstrating accountability and results. This suggests a more stringent funding environment for Ghana’s sports bodies in the years ahead.
According to Joy Online.
