Former Black Stars captain and Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew Pele has been appointed to a newly inaugurated Ministerial Advisory Board established to guide the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in shaping national sports policy and advancing broad-based development across the sector.
The nine-member board was formally unveiled on Tuesday by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, who highlighted the board’s mandate as central to Ghana’s ambition of strengthening governance, improving accountability and expanding opportunity within the sports ecosystem.
The diverse membership of the board reflects a deliberate blend of senior public-sector leadership, private-sector expertise, security services representation, and figures from Ghana’s sporting community. Members of the board include:
- Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams (MP) – Minister for Sports and Recreation (Chairman)
- Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah – Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation
- Amb. Alexander Grant Ntrakwa – Head of Delivery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu – Technical Advisor, Ministry of Education
- Ms. Amerley Nuno-Amarteifio – Director of Legal, Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Cleanse Tsonam Akpeloo – CEO of Suku Technologies / AGI Representative
- COP Lydia Yaako Donkor – Director-General, CID
- Mr. Abedi Ayew Pele – Former Black Stars Captain
- Mr. Michael Esuon – Director, Finance & Administration, Ministry of Sports and Recreation (Secretary)
Hon. Kofi Adams noted that the board is not a ceremonial body but an active working group expected to provide informed, strategic guidance on issues including youth development, sports governance, institutional reforms, performance accountability, and inclusive sports growth at both community and elite levels.
According to the Minister, the government is seeking to modernise Ghana’s sport architecture by strengthening collaboration between agencies, improving financing models, and expanding opportunities for young athletes. The newly inaugurated board is therefore expected to play a pivotal role in advising and supporting the Ministry’s transformation agenda.
Hon. Adams further announced that the much-anticipated Sports Development Fund is nearing completion and will soon be presented before Parliament. The Fund is intended to provide sustainable financing for long-term sports infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, athlete support systems and recreation initiatives across the country.
He explained that over the years, sports development has faced challenges with inconsistent funding, inadequate facilities, and limited structured support for talent grooming. The establishment of the Fund is therefore expected to offer a reliable mechanism to fuel growth and to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness on the continental and global stages.
The Minister expressed confidence in the combined expertise of the newly appointed board members, describing them as individuals who understand both the urgency and the complexity of Ghana’s sports challenges. He encouraged them to offer bold, practical and forward-looking ideas that align with Ghana’s vision of becoming a continental leader in sports and recreation.
The appointment of Abedi Pele has drawn significant public attention and excitement. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, Abedi Pele brings decades of experience, both as a global sports icon and as a mentor invested in youth development. His involvement is expected to add depth to the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen football and sports administration.
Industry stakeholders believe the advisory board marks a progressive step toward achieving a more professional, accountable and innovative sports sector. With increased collaboration between government, private industry and sporting experts, the Ministry hopes to build a resilient, well-financed sports ecosystem capable of nurturing talent, promoting national unity and positioning Ghana as a competitive sporting nation.
For now, the newly inaugurated board is expected to begin internal consultations and help shape actionable reforms that will guide Ghana’s sports agenda for years to come.
