President Mahama appoints Kofi Adams to restore Ghana's sporting pride, beginning with the GFA

President John Dramani Mahama has entrusted the newly appointed Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, with the crucial task of restoring Ghana’s sporting prestige. During a swearing-in ceremony held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Mahama outlined the significant challenges facing the sports sector and emphasized the need for immediate action to bring the country back to its rightful place in the world of sports.

In his speech, the President specifically directed Minister Adams to prioritize efforts aimed at revitalizing the Ghana Football Association (GFA), with the Black Stars as the focal point. Mahama underscored the importance of restoring the national football team to its former glory and securing a competitive standing for Ghana in international football.

“You have been given a monumental task, Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams,” President Mahama said. “The state of Ghana’s sports today is completely unacceptable, and it is your responsibility to help us regain our sporting pride. Ghana has historically been a dominant force in African and world sports, but we have sadly seen a decline in recent years. It is time for a change.”

The President’s remarks reflect the growing frustration over the state of Ghanaian sports, particularly football. The Black Stars, once one of the most successful teams in African football, have faced several setbacks in recent years. These challenges culminated in their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, a blow to the nation’s footballing ambitions. This failure came after two consecutive group-stage eliminations in the previous editions of the tournament, raising concerns about the team’s future and the overall state of football in the country.

Mahama’s call to action highlighted that restoring the Black Stars to their glory days would be an essential first step in rebuilding Ghana’s sports sector. He called for a focus on improving the GFA’s leadership, structure, and performance. “The GFA will be a good place to start,” Mahama said. “We need to ensure that the systems are in place to support our national teams and create the right environment for success.”

While Mahama placed significant emphasis on football, he also urged Minister Adams to work on developing other sporting disciplines within Ghana. He recognized that Ghana’s sports sector has the potential to excel across multiple sports, and Adams’ mandate would involve fostering growth in a variety of athletic areas.

“We need to build up all sports in Ghana,” Mahama said. “The goal is not just to focus on football but to develop a diverse range of sports and create opportunities for our young athletes to excel globally. This will require a comprehensive approach, from grassroots development to improving facilities and coaching.”

The President’s comments come at a critical juncture for Ghanaian sports, as the country grapples with its diminished position on both the continental and international sporting stages. The recent failure of the Black Stars to qualify for AFCON, coupled with struggles in other sports, has raised alarm about the future of athletics in the country.

Minister Kofi Adams inherits a challenging role, succeeding Mustapha Ussif, the former Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori, who served as the Minister for Sports and Recreation from 2021 to 2025. Ussif’s tenure saw various initiatives aimed at improving sports infrastructure and encouraging youth participation, but his administration faced significant obstacles, particularly in terms of football performance and fan engagement.

In his new role, Adams will need to address both the administrative and technical challenges within Ghana’s sports sector. The expectations are high, given the public’s desire for a revival of the country’s sporting success. Mahama’s remarks made it clear that Adams’ leadership will be closely scrutinized, with a heavy focus on football as a starting point for broader reforms.

Ultimately, the task ahead for Minister Kofi Adams is daunting, but it also offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Ghana’s sports landscape. With the support of President Mahama and the nation, Adams will need to navigate the complexities of sports governance, foster talent, and rebuild the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse in African and global sports.