Ghana, UK explore new partnership to transform sports development

Ghana and the United Kingdom are exploring stronger cooperation in sports, with particular attention to infrastructure development, youth empowerment and opportunities for investment in the sector.

The discussions took place when the United Kingdom’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, Mr Alastair Long, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams.

The meeting formed part of efforts to deepen the longstanding economic and diplomatic relationship between the two countries, while identifying new areas where sports and recreation could support development and closer people-to-people ties.

Mr Long expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended Ghana for its rich sporting history, noting the important role sports could play in promoting unity, health and community development.

He said the UK was interested in supporting Ghana’s sports sector through investment, technical training and the exchange of expertise and best practices.

He said there was also scope for further collaboration in sports infrastructure and programmes aimed at empowering young people. Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties with Ghana and said sports could serve as an effective bridge between the two countries.

“We look forward to working closely with Ghana in this exciting journey,” he said.

On the other hand, the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, said Ghana’s achievements in football, athletics and other sporting disciplines provided a strong foundation for international partnerships that could help develop the next generation of athletes.

He identified youth exchange programmes as one area where the two countries could collaborate, particularly by creating opportunities for young athletes to acquire fundamental skills, training and international experience.

The Minister also drew attention to the condition of some sports facilities in the country, explaining that inadequate maintenance had left several venues unsuitable for hosting major international competitions.

He stressed the need for modern sporting arenas equipped to meet international standards and capable of hosting major events.

Mr Adams said plans were therefore being pursued to begin the construction of new stadiums, which would help position Ghana to host major international competitions in the future.

He noted that Ghana had already secured the right to host the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the opportunity as part of a broader strategy to build capacity gradually and eventually host bigger tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.

“The plan is to start small and then move to bigger events,” he added.