Kojo Addae Mensah urges education system review to improve sports

Kojo Addae Mensah, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Databank Group, has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s education system to better integrate and support sports development. Speaking at the University of Ghana (UG) Sports Dialogue, the financial executive argued that the nation's current academic framework often acts as a barrier to the growth of athletic talent. He emphasized that addressing the challenges facing Ghanaian sports requires a shift in the educational environment rather than focusing solely on financial investment.

According to Addae Mensah, the prevailing structure of the education system does not leave enough room for young athletes to excel both in the classroom and on the field. He pointed out that the rigid nature of the curriculum and academic schedules frequently forces talented individuals to choose between their education and their sporting ambitions. By reforming these structures, he believes Ghana can create a more conducive environment that nurtures young talent from an early age, ensuring a steady pipeline for national teams and professional leagues.

The Databank CEO also touched on the misconception that lack of funding is the primary obstacle to sports development in Ghana. While acknowledging the importance of financial resources, he maintained that the systemic hurdles within the education sector are equally, if not more, significant. He suggested that a thorough policy review would allow for a more holistic approach, where sports are viewed as a viable career path supported by the state’s educational infrastructure rather than a secondary pursuit or a distraction from academic studies.

The call for reform at the UG Sports Dialogue comes at a time when Ghanaian sports stakeholders are increasingly looking for sustainable ways to revive the country’s performance on the international stage. Addae Mensah’s proposal highlights the need for collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to synchronize their objectives. The success of such a review could potentially transform Ghana into a hub for world-class athletes who are also academically equipped for life after their sporting careers.