The National Sports Authority (NSA) has formally inaugurated a five-member Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee, chaired by African Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen, in Accra on Friday, marking a significant step in bolstering Ghana’s sustainable funding and strategic partnerships for the advancement of sport. This initiative, spearheaded by the NSA, represents a crucial shift in the nation’s approach to investing in the development of Ghana’s sporting talent pool.
The committee, tasked with exploring novel avenues for resource mobilization while deepening collaboration between the NSA and potential partners, was formally established by the NSA. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Samson Deen underscored the committee’s mandate extends beyond traditional financial assistance, emphasizing the need for a more structured and long-term investment strategy within the sporting sector.
“Resource mobilisation must not simply mean asking for money,” Deen stated emphatically, highlighting Ghana’s significant sporting talent but acknowledging a critical lack of systems for effectively identifying, financing, developing, and promoting athletes to the highest levels of performance. Ghana’s current funding model often relies on last-minute fundraising, a practice Deen views as unsustainable. He asserted that Ghana possesses a substantial pool of athletes, but the current infrastructure to nurture and cultivate this talent is underdeveloped.
The committee, composed of representatives from government agencies, corporate institutions, development partners, sports federations, the media, and relevant organizations involved in sports development, is expected to engage in a wide-ranging stakeholder dialogue. A key focus of the committee’s initial work is the proposed Constituency Games initiative, which Deen envisions not merely as a sporting competition but as a vital catalyst for grassroots talent identification and development. He detailed that the Games should not be viewed as a mere calendar event but as a cornerstone of a broader national talent-development strategy.
Deen further emphasized the crucial role of the media in supporting athletes at the initial stages of their careers. He urged media organisations to prioritize not only established stars and medal winners but also emerging talent, recognizing the importance of showcasing diverse athletic abilities. “We don’t want the media to arrive only when the medal is won,” Deen stated, advocating for a proactive and continuous coverage of athlete journeys throughout their careers.
The committee’s performance will be assessed based on tangible benefits delivered to athletes and sporting communities, rather than solely on the number of meetings held or documents produced. Deen concluded by reiterating the need for a strategic, long-term investment approach, emphasizing partnerships over simply meeting deadlines, thereby unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s sporting landscape.”
This initiative is designed to attract strategic partnerships and establish more sustainable mechanisms for financing the growth of sport within Ghana. The NSA anticipates the committee’s activities will contribute significantly to the nation’s sporting infrastructure and talent pipeline.”
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Source: Adom Sports
