Ghana must invest in sports to unlock economic gains — Effia MP 

The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, has called for increased investment in Ghana’s sports sector, saying football in particular has strong social and economic benefits for the country.

His remarks follow the Black Stars’ narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 17.

The win has sparked national excitement, with attention turning to the performance of the team and its wider impact on national morale.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, June 18, Mr. Boamah-Nyarko said sports, especially football, play a key role in uniting citizens and boosting national development.

“International system and the unity that football brings to us as a people, and we need to leverage on it,” he said.

He added that beyond entertainment, sports contribute significantly to tourism, international reputation, and economic activity.

“Because it improves your tourism, it enhances your global reputation and image, and also the revenue that you get,” the MP noted.

He explained that match days often stimulate economic activity across various sectors, including hospitality and retail, even during late hours.

According to him, Ghana should take deliberate steps to maximize these benefits through sustained investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.

The Effia MP also extended congratulations to the Black Stars for their performance, praising the team’s effort and discipline in securing the win.

He singled out goalscorer Caleb Yirenkyi for his contribution, while also commending the overall team spirit displayed during the match.

However, Mr. Boamah-Nyarko noted that the team still has work to do, particularly in strengthening defensive coordination and maintaining composure under pressure ahead of their remaining fixtures.