Sports Minister Outlines Six Key Policy Priorities to Advance Sports Medicine in Ghana
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to making sports medicine a central pillar of Ghana’s broader sports development strategy.
Delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Sports Medicine Conference organized by the Sports Medicine Association of Ghana (SMA-Gh) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, the Minister outlined six major policy tasks aimed at transforming medical support in sport.
The first priority is the enforcement of Event Medical Minimums, with the introduction of a “No Ambulance, No Event” rule across all sanctioned competitions. Secondly, the Ministry will mandate Universal Pre-Participation Screening, requiring annual medical assessments for all athletes to ensure safe participation in sports. The third task focuses on Workforce Development, with a target of certifying at least 200 sports medicine professionals within the next year.
The fourth priority area is the establishment of a National Injury and Illness Surveillance System, designed to collect data that will inform both prevention strategies and treatment protocols. The fifth task emphasizes the importance of Clean Sport, with government support pledged for anti-doping education, testing, and strict regulation. Finally, the sixth priority covers Governance and Insurance, requiring federations to strengthen medical regulations and mandating medical insurance for all athletes.
In his remarks, Hon. Adams stressed that these initiatives are not optional but will be enforced through government action.
“I want to assure you of government’s full support through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. These priorities will be backed by regulation, co-funding of equipment, and enforcement, working closely with the Ministry of Health, National Ambulance Service, and Ghana Education Service,” he declared.
The 2025 Sports Medicine Conference, which carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation, marks a significant step in embedding evidence-based practice, athlete safety, and clinical accountability into Ghana’s sporting framework.
By: Benard Padi Botwe
