President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Kofi Iddie Adams as the Minister Designate for Sports and Recreation. Adams, the Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency, awaits parliamentary vetting and approval before officially assuming the position.
The nomination surprised many. Former Sports and Youth Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye had been widely speculated as the frontrunner. However, Mahama chose Adams to lead the restructured ministry, which now separates Recreation from Youth.
An avid boxing enthusiast, Adams earlier expressed enthusiasm for the role. He stated, “I love boxing; I will gladly accept the Sports Minister position if appointed,” during an interview shared by GhOne TV on X.
If approved, Adams will face challenges balancing sports funding in Ghana, which has traditionally been dominated by football. The Black Stars receive a significant portion of the ministry’s budget. Adams must ensure equitable resource distribution to support other sports and recreational activities.
He also inherits the ministry after a period of scrutiny over spending. Former Sports Ministers Isaac Asiamah and Mustapha Ussif faced criticism for the Black Stars’ $8.5 million budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, $15 million was spent on athletes’ food during the 2023 African Games.
Adams’ appointment signals a potential shift in priorities. His focus will likely be on balancing financial allocations and promoting all aspects of Ghanaian sports and recreation.
SOURCE : VIBEZANDTRENDZ.COM
