Sports
Sports Ministry, PGA Ghana to roll out ‘Golf-in-School’ programme
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, says his sector is ready to leverage golf as a tool for sports development and environmental consciousness in the country.
In his view, a sport like golf must be given the needed attention because of its potential to enhance development and boost economic benefits to the youth.
Mr Adams gave the remark when he received a delegation from the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Ghana.
The team was led by its president, Mr Hans De Beer and accompanied by other top officials.
At the heart of the meeting was a shared commitment to reposition golf, most importantly professional golf as a powerful tool not only for sporting excellence but also for promoting ecological awareness and social inclusion.
Mr Adams acknowledged the current collaboration between the ministry and the PGA and acknowledged PGA’s recognition of the Ministry’s support for both amateur and professional golf in Ghana.
He stated that sports development cannot thrive in isolation and requires strong partnerships, visionary planning, and collective action, emphasising the importance of golf in promoting discipline, strategy, and respect for nature.
According to the Sports Minister, every golfer becomes an advocate for the environment, adding that “it is time to introduce golf in schools. This initiative would nurture young minds to value green spaces while embracing a sport that has enormous potential for tourism, health, and character development.”
He assured the PGA team that their collaboration would move beyond dialogue into action, with plans to develop golf-in-schools programmes, roll out climate-awareness campaigns, and engage communities across regions in growing the game.
That vision, he said aligns with the country’s efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.
“By introducing golf-in-schools, it would instill values of discipline, hard work, and respect for nature in young people. The planned golf-in-schools programmes would not only promote the sport but also provide opportunities for young people to develop important life skills,” Mr Adams who doubles as a Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency stated.
Responding, Mr De Beer, expressed their gratitude for the sports Minister’s support and commitment to developing golf in Ghana and also welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the Ministry and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.
The meeting marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Ministry and the PGA to strengthen golf in Ghana and build a legacy that connects sport with sustainability.
Other PGA executive members who were present at the meeting include: Alhaji Ahmed Padori, Vice President, Tournament Director, Eric Henaku, Assistant Tournament Director, Francis Torgah, Emos Kwablah a senior member and Secretary of the Ladies’ Professional Golfers of Ghana Mercy Werner
By Spectator Reporter
Sports
President Simeon-Okraku hails Black Queens’ Bronze medal, reaffirms commitment to Women’s football development
President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has expressed immense pride in the Black Queens’ historic Bronze medal win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in women’s football.
Following Ghana’s third-place triumph, the 2nd Vice CAF President highlighted the impact of the GFA’s strategic initiatives, including the DNA Women’s Football Strategy.
He “From the moment we developed the strategy, launched the talent identification program, established the Academy in the North, invested in the Women’s Premier League, and boosted TV coverage, we knew we were on the right path,” he said. “Thank God for the Bronze. Our investment in women’s football is yielding results, and we’re confident about our collective future.”
President Simeon-Okraku praised the Black Queens for their resilience and determination, acknowledging that their achievement signals greater potential for Ghanaian women’s football.
“We need to let the team enjoy this moment. Although they didn’t win the ultimate trophy, their achievement speaks volumes about the huge potential in our women’s game,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for sustained investment, expanded talent identification programs, and a structured pathway for player development from the U-15 level to the senior national team.
“With the right investment, more talent identification programs, and a natural progression of players, we’ll reach our desired destination,” he affirmed. “The talent in them is unbelievable.”
The Black Queens’ bronze medal marks Ghana’s first WAFCON podium finish in over two decades, reigniting hopes for a new era of dominance in African women’s football.
Sports
Black Queens receive hero’s welcome in Accra after WAFCON Bronze triumph
The Black Queens returned home to a warm and emotional welcome in Accra after securing the Bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, the team was greeted with thunderous applause, chants, waving flags, and traditional drumming by fans and officials. The players, dressed in team colors and proudly displaying their bronze medals, were visibly moved by the outpouring of love and support.
The team was received by prominent officials, including CAF 2nd Vice President and GFA President Kurt Okraku, Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, GFA Vice President Mark Addo, and other GFA executives. Captain Portia Boakye led the team, lifting the medal high to the cheers of the crowd, symbolizing the team’s hard-fought journey.
The Technical staff, led by head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, and GFA representatives joined in the celebrations. The GFA and Ministry of Sports and Recreation have praised the team’s efforts, with plans underway for an official ceremony to honor their performance and inspire future investments in Women’s football.
The Bronze medal marks a significant milestone, reflecting years of hard work, structured reforms, and renewed focus on women’s football in Ghana. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication and progress.
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