2027 Budget: Gov’t targets school, grassroots sports development
The commitment was contained in the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to Parliament on Thursday. As part of the broader reforms, Government intends to finalise regulations under the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159), while reviewing the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934).
Government has announced plans to strengthen school and grassroots sports development as part of efforts to improve talent identification and create sustainable pathways for athletes in Ghana.
The commitment was contained in the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to Parliament on Thursday.
According to the budget, Government will deepen institutional and policy reforms in the sports sector, including the completion of the National Sports Policy and its implementation framework.
It will also strengthen structured school and grassroots sports development to expand participation and improve the identification and progression of sporting talents.
"These interventions will provide a comprehensive policy, legislative and institutional foundation for the sustainable development and commercialisation of sports and recreation in Ghana," the budget statement said.
As part of the broader reforms, Government intends to finalise regulations under the Ghana Sports Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1159), while reviewing the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934).
The National Sports Policy is expected to provide a framework for the organisation, administration and development of sports, with emphasis on creating opportunities for participation and improving the country's sporting structures.
The proposed strengthening of school and grassroots sports also signals an intention to improve the talent development system by establishing clearer pathways from schools and community-level competitions to elite and professional sports.
The Ghana Sports Fund is another major component of the planned reforms.
Established under Act 1159, the Fund is intended to provide a sustainable financing framework for sports development, including infrastructure, athlete welfare, grassroots participation and capacity building.
However, its effective implementation will depend on the completion of the necessary regulations to guide its operations.
Government also plans to review the Sports Act, 2016, which established the National Sports Authority and provides the legal framework for the administration and promotion of sports in the country.
The proposed measures are expected to strengthen the institutional and legislative framework for sports development while creating opportunities to attract investment and commercialise the sector.
The budget statement, however, did not provide specific timelines for completing the policy reforms or details of the financial commitments towards the proposed school and grassroots sports interventions.
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