President Mahama Allocates GH¢684,000 to Local Clubs, Calls for Women’s Football Equity

President John Mahama has reinforced his administration's commitment to sports development by providing GH¢684,000 (approximately $60,000) in financial support to three Ghanaian football clubs ahead of their international campaigns. During a high-level meeting at Jubilee House on September 8, 2026, the President hosted representatives from Ghana Premier League champions Medeama Sporting Club, FA Cup holders Nations FC, and the highly successful Ampem Darkoa Ladies. The disbursement from the Sports Development Fund is designed to bolster the clubs' preparations for their upcoming continental and regional competitions, marking a proactive effort to enhance Ghana’s athletic presence on the international stage.

The financial package was distributed according to the clubs' respective competitive demands, with Medeama SC receiving $30,000, Nations FC receiving $20,000, and Ampem Darkoa Ladies receiving $10,000. During the presentation, President Mahama explicitly advocated for a shift in how women’s football is funded. He observed that while women’s teams have historically secured more trophies for Ghana than the men's teams, they continue to receive significantly less financial backing. The President called for deliberate "affirmative action" to bridge this investment gap, ensuring that women athletes receive resources that reflect their superior performance and potential.

Beyond immediate financial assistance, the President addressed structural challenges hindering the growth of the domestic game. He voiced strong concerns regarding the "exodus" of young Ghanaian talent, noting that the premature sale of players to foreign leagues diminishes the quality of the local league. Mahama urged stakeholders to develop strategies to retain players longer, suggesting that increased national team exposure could help players mature domestically before they transition to international careers. He also highlighted the need for improved refereeing standards, calling on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ghana Referees Association to collaborate on restoring public confidence through fair, merit-based officiating.

Looking toward long-term growth, President Mahama confirmed that the government is moving forward with plans to construct ten new sports stadia across various regions to decentralize sports infrastructure. These facilities are intended to support not only football but also athletics, boxing, and other disciplines as the Sports Development Fund becomes fully operational. By encouraging private-sector investment to supplement government funding, the President aims to rebrand Ghanaian football and revitalize grassroots initiatives, such as the Colts League, to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the nation’s future.