The CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, recently met with Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams to discuss ways to increase job opportunities for Ghanaian youth in the sports sector.
Central to the discussions was the YEA ‘Play Abroad’ initiative, a programme designed to create jobs and foster sports development both locally and internationally.
The meeting focused on implementing Act 887 (2015), which provides a legal framework for sports-based employment programs.
The two officials stressed the importance of a well-structured approach for successful execution.
The minister described the “Play Abroad” initiative as promising and proposed forming a joint technical team to finalise the program’s documentation.
The goal is to ensure effective and transparent implementation at all levels.
Kofi Adams, on his part, stressed the importance of addressing current challenges, especially concerning unlanded football jobs abroad.
He emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach, focusing on strengthening Ghana’s school and grassroots sports systems to develop local talent, promote fair recruitment, and ensure safe migration of youth in sports, while prioritising legal protection and benefits for all stakeholders.
A proposal for a free zone dedicated to sports talent development is also being considered, as a measure to create a nurturing environment for athletes.
Additionally, the government is implementing measures to retain talented local players.
Initiatives such as remuneration are expected to help keep Ghanaian athletes within the country, thereby enriching the local sports leagues and fostering national pride.
PM/VPO
Meanwhile, watch as historian Annam details how Swedru All Blacks started as a military club
