Robert Tetteh Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of Wembley Sports Construction Limited, has showered high praise on President John Dramani Mahama, Parliament, and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for the historic passage of Ghana’s Sports Development Fund Bill, describing it as a bold, visionary, and transformative milestone for the nation’s sporting future.
Coleman hailed the Fund as nothing short of revolutionary, emphasizing that it provides Ghana with a clear, coordinated, and sustainable pathway to finance sports development across all levels.
“This is truly a game changer. For the first time in our history, Ghana has a transparent, structured, and legally backed system that will sustainably finance sports—from grassroots discovery to elite performance,” he said.
Passed by Parliament on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following extensive bipartisan deliberations, the Bill was moved by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams. The legislation underwent rigorous scrutiny by Cabinet, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Parliamentary Legal Committee, and other key stakeholders, reflecting its national significance.
Describing the Bill as long overdue, Coleman said it decisively tackles the perennial challenge of ad-hoc and inconsistent sports funding in Ghana. He praised the Fund as a one-stop hub for sports promotion, sponsorship, and development, capable of resolving deep-rooted challenges such as poor infrastructure, weak grassroots programs, inadequate athlete welfare, and limited private sector participation.
“This Fund will inspire investor confidence and unlock massive opportunities for collaboration between government and the private sector in building world-class facilities, nurturing talent, and hosting competitive sporting events,” he added.
The law establishes a multi-source, performance-driven Sports Development Fund to finance infrastructure, grassroots programs, talent identification, high-performance sports, and athlete welfare. It is expected to end decades of inconsistent funding for sports in Ghana.
Sources of funding include:
- Sports Lottery managed by the National Lottery Authority (NLA)
- 5% of proceeds from sports events and activities
- 10% of charges accrued by the Gaming Commission from betting operators
- 3% of earnings from players and athletes transferred outside Ghana
- 2% of proceeds from sponsorship of sporting activities
- Proceeds from sports competitions and tournaments
- 10% of proceeds from beverage advertisements
- Returns on investments
- Grants, donations, and other approved contributions
The Fund will support:
- Development of sports infrastructure
- Participation in local and international tournaments
- Organization of sporting events and competitions
- Participation of national teams and athletes in international competitions
- Research, technology, and innovation in sports
- Welfare support for retired, injured, and incapacitated athletes, including amateur and para-athletes
Coleman also linked the passage of the Bill to the broader vision of the Mahama administration to reposition sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, economic growth, job creation, and national cohesion—beyond mere medal counts.
He further noted that Parliament’s bipartisan support reflects a shared national commitment to restoring pride, excellence, and global competitiveness to Ghana’s sports sector.
With this legislative milestone achieved, Mr. Coleman and stakeholders are urging the swift establishment and operationalization of the Sports Development Fund to usher in a new era of structured, transparent, and sustainable sports development in Ghana.
