On Friday, 9th May 2025, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, paid a courtesy call on the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, to discuss ongoing cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom in sports diplomacy, infrastructure management, and grassroots development.
The Minister emphasized sports diplomacy as a tool for unity and national impact, highlighting Ghana’s policy to explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the management of key facilities like the Borteyman Sports Complex. He noted that while management would be delegated, the state would retain full access for national programs and competitions.
He also expressed concern about declining fan engagement in domestic sports and referenced the UK’s effective sports culture as a model Ghana could learn from.
H.E. Harriet Thompson praised these policy directions and shared her personal experience attending a swimming event at Borteyman, noting the facility’s promise but cautioning about long-term maintenance. She reiterated the UK’s support for sports as a driver of both health and economic development.
The High Commissioner briefed the Minister on the upcoming Unity Cup in the UK and pledged the Commission’s support in arranging meetings with UK companies, technical exchange visits to legacy venues like London 2012, and learning sessions on sustainable sports facility operations.
The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s upcoming initiatives including the revitalization of school sports, the launch of National Recreation Day, and the Sports Free Zones policy to attract sports academies.
He further informed the High Commissioner that select district youth will attend the Unity Cup as community sports ambassadors, gaining exposure to fan mobilization and grassroots development practices.
In closing, the Minister cautioned against unauthorized Unity Cup travel adverts and requested that all lists of prospective participants be cleared through the Ministry to maintain integrity and coordination.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration between Ghana and the UK in advancing sport for development, sustainability, and youth empowerment.