Minister-designate of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams
Minister-designate of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams has been on a media tour since the announcement of his nomination to share his vision for the ministry while addressing some key issues.
In a statement released on January 21, 2024, President John Dramani Mahama nominated Kofi Adams as the Minister-designate of Sports and Recreation.
The appointment shows the president’s confidence in him to steer the affairs of sports in the country and change the fortunes of the industry.
His nomination is pending parliamentary approval after he undergoes the vetting process by the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
Here are five major things Kofi Adams has said since his appointment:
Review of 2023 African Games expenditure
Kofi Adams has assured that the 9th Parliament will look into the expenditure on the 2023 African Games.
“I remember that in parliament issues were raised about it. The only unfortunate thing is that we couldn’t take the report of the committee that looked into it before the 8th Parliament was dissolved. But the 9th Parliament is in session and we will see what we can do about that report,” he told the media.
Addressing per diem payment
Adams has not ruled out the payment of per diems to national team management committee members. However, he noted that players must be paid first before the management committee.
“I don’t think the national team management committees should pay themselves per diem when the players have not received theirs,” Adams told Kasapa FM.
On Black Stars
Kofi Adams has advocated for the need to prioritize the development of sports in Ghana instead of focusing solely on the Black Stars.
Despite the broader vision of prioritizing other sporting disciplines, Adams acknowledged that the Black Stars need significant improvement.
“Sports is not just about the Black Stars, and sports go beyond football. And even football itself goes beyond the Black Stars,” Adams told GhOne TV.
“But because the Black Stars are the ultimate, we want to see our Black Stars back again,” he added.
GFA leaders interference
Kofi Adams has clarified his mandate at the ministry, indicating that he has no authority over positions at the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
He explained that there are only a few appointments in which the Minister of Sports is involved, emphasizing that the GFA handles the majority of its leadership appointments.
The minister-designate noted that he does not intend to interfere in the GFA’s administrative appointment processes.
“We must work as a team. I don’t decide who becomes the leader of the GFA or any other federation, except for a few positions where the ministry may have a say. But for the majority of them, they have their own processes for handling leadership. I don’t intend to interfere in that process.”
He, however, noted that the ministry will ensure that the decisions of the federations align with the vision of improving sports in the country.
“But whatever emerges, they must know that we have a country to run, and we must do things in a way that benefits the nation. Because when we suffer, it is not FIFA rules that suffer. There is no sovereign state called FIFA, but we have a sovereign state called Ghana.
“The talent that we have must be honed to benefit us as a country. So, we will take action, but it will be a collective effort for the glory of God and Ghana.”
Club he supports
Kofi Adams has revealed he is a staunch supporter of Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko.
“I support Asante Kotoko,” he said on Accra-based Happy FM.
EE/EK
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