President Mahama Pledges $60,000 to Local Clubs and Urges Reforms to Halt Football Talent Exodus

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed serious concern over the rapid exodus of young Ghanaian footballers to foreign leagues, warning that the premature sale of talent is diminishing the quality and competitiveness of the domestic game. Speaking at the Jubilee House on September 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit from representatives of Medeama Sporting Club, Nations FC, and Ampem Darkoa Ladies, the President emphasized that local clubs often sell promising players as soon as they show potential. He advocated for a strategy to retain talent longer, suggesting that providing young players with opportunities in the national teams would allow them to mature and gain international exposure before making career-defining moves abroad.

Beyond talent retention, President Mahama called for a comprehensive rebranding of Ghanaian football, specifically targeting the standard of officiating. He noted that declining refereeing standards have eroded public confidence in the local league and urged the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Referees Association to collaborate on ensuring matches are decided fairly on merit. Mahama also highlighted the historical disparity in investment between men’s and women’s football. Despite the superior trophy-winning record of women’s teams like Ampem Darkoa Ladies, he observed they often receive less financial support and media attention, prompting a call for affirmative action to level the playing field.

To support Ghana’s representatives in upcoming continental competitions, the President announced a combined financial package of $60,000. Under this arrangement, Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC received $30,000, FA Cup holders Nations FC were awarded $20,000, and Ampem Darkoa Ladies received $10,000. This gesture is intended to ease the financial burden of international travel and logistics as the clubs seek to restore Ghana’s former glory on the African stage. The President also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sports infrastructure, citing ongoing plans to construct ten new sports stadia across various regions to decentralize sports development.

Looking ahead, President Mahama signaled a broader shift toward a multi-disciplinary sports strategy as the national Sports Development Fund becomes fully operational. This includes the revival of the Colts League to strengthen the grassroots foundation of football and increased support for athletics and boxing. By combining infrastructure investment with institutional reforms and financial backing for elite clubs, the President aims to create a sustainable environment where Ghanaian athletes can thrive locally before transitioning to the global stage.