The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a major new sports infrastructure initiative, revealing that government will begin the construction of modern sports stadiums in selected regions starting in 2026.
The announcement was made last Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement on the floor of Parliament.
In his address, the finance minister emphasised the critical role sports continues to play in shaping the nation’s identity and strengthening unity among citizens. He described sports as a powerful force that brings Ghanaians together, while nurturing the potential of the youth for national development.
“Mr. Speaker, sports remain one of Ghana’s greatest unifying forces and a powerful driver of youth development, community pride and national identity,” he stated.
Dr Ato Forson lamented the long-standing lack of adequate sporting facilities across several regions, despite the country’s strong sporting culture.
He pointed out that newly created regions still do not have standard sports stadiums to support talent development. He stressed that this gap must be addressed if Ghana is to fully harness its vast reservoir of athletic potential.
To that end, the Minister disclosed that the government is committed to changing the narrative. “Mr. Speaker, beginning 2026, Government will commence the construction of modern sports stadia in 3 out of the 8 regions without sport stadium,” he announced.
According to him, this forms part of a broader plan by the Mahama administration to expand sports infrastructure nationwide.
The Minister further explained that the new stadiums will serve multiple purposes. Beyond hosting sporting events, they will provide safe and well-equipped spaces for young athletes to train and refine their skills.
He noted that such facilities will also help attract sports tourism, boost local economies, and serve as training hubs for both regional and national teams. These developments, he added, will strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness in various sporting disciplines.
The finance minister made it clear that government’s vision for sports development extends beyond football. While acknowledging football’s massive popularity in Ghana, he stressed the need to support other sporting disciplines such as athletics, volleyball, boxing and moresports that have contributed significantly to Ghana’s reputation over decades.
According to him, the new infrastructure will be designed to accommodate multiple disciplines, ensuring that no talent is left behind.
The Minister concluded by commending the Black Stars for their qualification to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will, for the first time be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He praised the team’s resilience and commitment, stating that their achievements continue to inspire hope, pride and unity across the country.
Dr Ato Forson reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in sports as a pathway to youth empowerment, national unity and sustainable development, signaling a new era for Ghana’s sports landscape.
By Jesse Otoo
