In a significant move, Ghana’s Parliament has finally approved a budget of GH₵65,899,456 for the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for the 2025 fiscal year.
While the allocation is set to support a range of activities and initiatives under the ministry, a critical concern has emerged with regard to the absence of dedicated funding for the upkeep of the country’s sports infrastructure.
Thus, the Ministry has announced plans to renovate the Accra Sports Stadium following Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad.
However, this one-off renovation has raised eyebrows among lawmakers, some of whom argue that the government should adopt a long-term strategy for maintaining the country’s sports facilities.
Several members of Parliament have also emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable funding mechanism specifically for the maintenance of sports infrastructure.
As a matter of fact, they believe that relying on sporadic interventions to address the needs of these facilities is not enough to ensure their long-term viability.
Instead, a more consistent allocation of resources is needed to prevent the country’s sporting venues from deteriorating.
This budget approval comes amid growing concerns that Ghana’s sports facilities are in a state of disrepair due to years of inadequate maintenance.
While renovation efforts like the planned Accra Sports Stadium upgrade are welcomed, critics argue that these measures should not be temporary fixes but part of a broader, structured plan for maintaining the country’s sporting infrastructure year-round.
Some lawmakers have also highlighted that without a long-term maintenance plan, future sports events may be jeopardized due to the poor state of the country’s venues.
They have called for a policy change that ensures the consistent allocation of resources to sports infrastructure maintenance, allowing the country to not only host international events but also nurture its local talent and foster the growth of sports at all levels.
As discussions around sports infrastructure continue, the government is under pressure to show a greater commitment to the sustainable development of sports in Ghana.
