Sports Minister Kofi Adams has criticised the previous administration’s handling of the now-scrapped betting tax, saying it could have been a major source of funding for Ghana’s sports development if it had been properly managed.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Adams said the policy was well-intentioned but poorly executed, leading to its unpopularity and eventual removal.
“If the revenue from the betting tax had been used to support sports instead of other unnecessary things, we wouldn’t be facing the funding problems we have today,” he stated.
He explained that a good policy loses public support when it lacks transparency and clear direction.
“When something is good but done badly, it becomes difficult to convince people to accept it again,” he noted.
Mr. Adams revealed that the government is introducing a National Sports Fund to provide structured and sustainable financing for the sports sector.
According to him, the new fund will not introduce fresh taxes but will draw levies from existing revenue sources.
“We are not bringing a new tax. We’re only allocating a percentage of existing levies to the fund,” he clarified.
He added that the proposal currently before Cabinet does not include any new tax provision.
“If Parliament later decides to add one, that will be their decision, not ours,” he said.
The Minister said the fund would start modestly but expand as data collection and compliance improve. It will be managed by professional fund managers to ensure accountability and results.
Mr. Adams noted that the fund will focus on sports infrastructure, athlete development, and support for disciplines such as football, athletics, boxing, volleyball, and hockey.
“It’s not free money for anyone to take without results. The fund will be managed professionally, not by political appointees,” he emphasised.
He concluded that with proper funding and management, Ghana could nurture world-class athletes, similar to the United Kingdom’s success through its national sports financing model.
“We can produce athletes who will compete and win internationally. What’s held us back is funding,” he said.
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