The government will begin the construction of modern sports stadia in three of the eight regions currently without such facilities, as part of a broader effort to strengthen sports infrastructure and institutional development across the country.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the initiative forms part of government’s long-term strategy to transform Ghana’s sports sector and create new opportunities for young athletes.
“Construction of modern stadia will begin in three of the eight regions without such facilities,” Dr. Forson told lawmakers. “The Ministry will also develop Bills for the National Sports College and Sports University, and organise inter-school, district, and regional sports competitions nationwide.”
The move is expected to enhance sports participation, boost talent discovery, and improve Ghana’s preparedness for major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
According to the Finance Minister, government will in 2026 lay before Parliament the National Sports College Bill and Sports University Bill, both aimed at strengthening the professional and academic foundations of sports management in Ghana.
The new institutions will focus on developing sports administration, coaching, performance analytics, and research to align Ghana’s sports education system with international standards.
“These measures reflect government’s commitment to building a sustainable, performance-driven sports ecosystem that empowers athletes and strengthens Ghana’s global competitiveness,” Dr. Forson said.
Ghana Sports Fund to Provide Sustainable Financing
Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a Ghana Sports Fund, a dedicated financial mechanism to ensure sustainable funding for sports development. The enabling Bill and Regulations are expected to be presented to Parliament in 2026.
“Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Ghana Sports Fund to provide sustainable financing for sports,” Dr. Forson stated. “The enabling Bill and Regulations will be laid before Parliament in 2026.”
The Fund will focus on athlete welfare, infrastructure investment, and talent development while supporting Ghana’s participation in international competitions.
Dr. Forson highlighted how continued investment in sports has already produced impressive results in 2025. The Black Stars qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Black Queens clinched bronze at the Women’s AFCON, and Ghana’s U-15 Girls won the CAF African Schools Championship, with the U-15 Boys finishing third.
Ghana’s Golden Palms defended their African Youth Baseball Championship title, and the GRA Ladies Hockey Team retained their continental crown.
“Athletes Anita Afrifa and Rose Yeboah set new national records, while para-athletes Zinabu Issah and Gilbert Ampiah won medals in Morocco,” the Minister noted. “Abdul-Rasheed Saminu ranked among the world’s fastest 100m runners.”
Team Ghana also won 55 medals at the African Arm-wrestling Championships and secured 23 medals when the country hosted the 2025 CAA Region II Senior Championships.
Preparing for Global Competitions
In 2026, the government will channel more resources into athlete welfare, training, and sports infrastructure, with the Anti-Doping Regulations set to be finalised to ensure clean competition.
“In 2026, government will invest in athlete welfare, sports infrastructure, and talent development in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and other tournaments,” Dr. Forson said. “The Anti-Doping Regulations will be finalised to enforce clean sports.”
The Minister said the combination of infrastructure expansion, institutional reform, and sustained financing marks a new era for Ghanaian sports.
“These initiatives will not only support athlete development but also create jobs, drive local investment, and position sports as a viable pillar of Ghana’s economic growth,” he said.
