Former Director of Communications for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for separating the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
According to him, the separation will boost the sports sector with more projects and investments, as more funds will likely be allocated specifically for sports without being shared with other sectors.|
He noted that adding recreation to sports will enhance the physical and mental well-being of sporting personalities, focusing on their overall development beyond just the events they participate in.
In a post on X, Sannie indicated that the newly instituted Ministry of Sports and Recreation is a step in the right direction, ensuring that youth-related matters receive attention as well.
Read Sannie Daara’s ten reasons below:
1. Focused attention on sports development: By isolating the Sports ministry, government can now direct undivided attention to the growth and development of sports (not just football) across the nation.
2. Elevating recreation and well-being: The inclusion of recreation alongside sports promotes holistic physical and mental well-being, encouraging a culture of active lifestyles among Ghanaians.
3. Youth empowerment gets dedicated focus: The creation of a separate Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment ensures that youth-related programs and policies are tailored specifically to address their unique challenges and opportunities.
4. Better resource allocation: With separate ministries, resources can be allocated more efficiently to both sports and youth empowerment, avoiding the dilution of funds and priorities.
5. Enhanced sports infrastructure: The dedicated focus on sports is likely to accelerate investments in sports infrastructure, benefiting sportsmen & women and communities nationwide.
This will lead to real improvement in the performance of our athletes since there is now a direct focus on them.
6. Promotion of Ghana’s sporting excellence: A standalone sports ministry can work tirelessly to elevate Ghana’s reputation in international sports, with special attention to all other disciplines and not just football.
7. Recognition of sports as a growth sector: By isolating sports, the government acknowledges its potential as an economic driver through tourism, sponsorship, and job creation.
8. Strategic recreation policies: Recreation as part of the ministry ensures the development of public spaces, parks, and programs for leisure activities, benefiting citizens of all ages.
9. Youth ministry to address broader issues: The separation allows the new Youth Development and Empowerment Ministry to focus on education, employment, and leadership opportunities for young people, beyond the realm of sports.
10. Presidential support for sports: President Mahama’s passion for sports adds credibility and momentum to this move, ensuring that sports and recreation become a high-priority sector under his leadership.
SB/EK
