The President of Ghana's National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Samson Deen, has called for unity among sports stakeholders and political actors to prevent further divisions within the sports sector. He warned that continued infighting could undermine investment and development in sports. Deen made these remarks in a statement on his Facebook page and during a Team Ghana sponsorship event. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the challenges facing Ghana's sports sector.
According to Deen, increasing political tensions within sports administration are discouraging sponsors and creating an environment that threatens the growth of the sector. He stated that politics is dividing and destroying sports in Ghana. Deen questioned how corporate organizations could be expected to invest in sports when the sector is characterized by public disputes and uncertainty. This situation has raised concerns about the future of sports development in the country.
Deen proposed a broad-based forum involving political leaders, sports administrators, and other industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges confronting Ghana sports and chart a common path forward. He stressed that changes in government should not become opportunities for attacks on sports officials perceived to be aligned with previous administrations. Such practices, he argued, only deepen divisions and hinder progress in the sports sector.
The NPC President also challenged sports leaders to match calls for reforms with practical action. He urged federations and associations to collaborate and strengthen their institutions. Deen encouraged sports bodies to resolve disagreements internally and present a united front to build greater confidence among stakeholders and sponsors. This, he believes, will help to promote a more positive image of Ghana's sports sector.
Deen highlighted the need for lessons to be drawn from previous challenges surrounding major international competitions. He mentioned debates over participation costs, allowances, and payments to technical officials as areas that require attention. According to him, past inquiries and discussions into the management of sports should have contributed to stronger systems and improved administration. This will help prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
The NPC President also touched on infrastructure, questioning whether current funding levels being discussed would be sufficient to address the country's stadium rehabilitation needs. He called for increased investment in sports facilities nationwide and greater efforts to encourage children and young people to participate in sports. This, he believes, will help to develop a strong sporting culture in Ghana.
Deen warned that the negative atmosphere surrounding sports administration could discourage young athletes and their families from embracing sports as a pathway for development and excellence. He emphasized the need for a united and well-governed sports sector to promote investment, development, and growth. The NPC President's comments have sparked a renewed call for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing Ghana's sports sector.
Key points
- Samson Deen calls for unity among sports stakeholders to prevent politics from hindering sports development in Ghana.
