Former Hearts of Oak board secretary and ex-Black Stars management committee member, Ernest Thompson, has expressed disappointment over the lack of proactive advocacy from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) in pushing for the establishment of a National Sports Fund.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Thompson said the biggest challenge confronting Ghana’s sporting landscape remains inadequate funding, a problem he believes must be tackled from its roots.
"The problem of sports in Ghana is basically funding, and we need to solve the problem from the roots," he stated. "That’s why some of us have always been pushing for the sports fund to be done. I was a little bit disappointed with SWAG because I thought they should have taken this up and pushed hard for it. You don’t get anything from government unless you push, because the Finance Minister is also looking at his money. He needs it like air, so he’s not prepared to give you a penny out."
Thompson, who is also a finance and commercial lawyer, urged SWAG to use its influence and expertise to engage lawmakers to ensure the fund’s creation.
“If it will take you going to lobby Parliament to get the sports fund established, then do it,” he said. “If it is done, the sky will be the limit.”
His remarks come at a time when the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Information, has reaffirmed its commitment to finalising the Sports Fund Bill, which is expected to create a sustainable pool of resources for sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and capacity development.
The draft proposal outlines multiple funding sources, including parliamentary allocations, sports lotteries, sponsorships, grants, and taxes from sports betting companies. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the government to promote long-term sports growth and financial stability across all disciplines.
Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS