President Mahama Announces Launch of National Recreation Day in #SONA2025

The government is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking initiative known as National Recreation Day, a monthly program designed to foster community engagement and promote physical activity across the country. This initiative will be complemented by the introduction of an annual National Recreation Festival, which will serve as a larger, celebratory event focused on recreation and sports.

The Ministry of Youth and Recreation will spearhead the initiative, with specific details and the official launch date to be announced in the near future. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to improving access to recreational activities and creating opportunities for citizens of all ages to engage in healthy and enjoyable physical pursuits.

The announcement came from President John Dramani Mahama during his first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, held at Parliament House in Accra. In his speech, the President outlined his administration’s vision for the development of sports and recreation in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of these areas to the nation’s overall well-being.

“As part of our commitment to promoting the significance of recreation in daily life, we will introduce National Recreation Day. This monthly event will focus on community engagement and will culminate in an annual National Recreation Festival. The goal is to make recreation more accessible and integrated into our culture,” President Mahama stated.

The President also noted that his government would prioritize the construction and enhancement of community recreational facilities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to encourage greater participation in sports, particularly at the grassroots level. The government aims to make recreational spaces available to all Ghanaians, ensuring that communities can access facilities that promote healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, and social interaction.

In addition to these community-level initiatives, President Mahama highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development through sports. The government plans to overhaul grassroots sports through the establishment of the School Sports Authority, an agency that will be responsible for managing and overseeing inter-school sports competitions and talent identification programs.

“This is a crucial step in fostering the development of future sporting talent in Ghana. Over 60% of our top athletes have come through school sports programs, and it is essential that we continue to invest in and expand these initiatives,” the President explained. The School Sports Authority will be tasked with organizing structured competitions that provide young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talents and develop their skills in various sports. The agency will also focus on identifying promising athletes at an early age, ensuring that Ghana can nurture the next generation of sports champions.

President Mahama also acknowledged the challenges faced by the sports sector in recent years, particularly the decline in performance in various sports disciplines. To address these issues, the government is working on developing a comprehensive national sports policy that will align with international standards. This policy will serve as a blueprint for the future of sports in Ghana, outlining strategies to improve the sector, increase investment, and enhance the overall infrastructure for sports.

As part of this effort, President Mahama revealed that the government will undertake a thorough review of the Sports Act of 2016 (Act 934) and enforce the Sports Regulations of 2023 (LI 2477). These measures aim to bring Ghana’s sports policies in line with global best practices, ensuring that the country can remain competitive on the international stage.

One area of particular concern for President Mahama is the performance of the national senior men’s football team, the Black Stars. In his address, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the team and emphasized the need for accountability. He revealed that his office, along with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, would hold the Ghana Football Association (GFA) accountable as the Black Stars prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“The Black Stars, once a force to be reckoned with, have not performed to the level that the people of Ghana expect. Next month, they will play two crucial World Cup qualifying matches, and I have instructed my office and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to ensure that the Ghana Football Association is held accountable to the people of this country, particularly with regard to the financial management of the FA,” the President said.

President Mahama’s address clearly outlined his administration’s commitment to strengthening the sports and recreation sectors in Ghana. Through initiatives such as National Recreation Day, the establishment of the School Sports Authority, and the development of a comprehensive sports policy, the government is taking significant steps to ensure that sports and recreation remain a key part of the nation’s development agenda.