The Ministry

Profile of the Ministry

The development of youth and sports has long been a primary concern of the Government of Ghana. Over the years, several efforts have been made both past and present to provide balanced support for these interrelated sectors. Historically, these sub-sectors have operated in various forms, both independently and collectively, at different stages. In 1982, they were brought together for the first time to form the then Ministry of Youth and Sports. This arrangement remained in place until 2005, when the Ministry was merged with Education to form the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. In 2006, the Youth sub-sector was moved under the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment, while the Sports component was merged with Science and Education to create the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports. To maintain alignment with the structure adopted by many Commonwealth nations—recognizing the natural synergy and mutual benefits between youth and sports—Government once again merged the two sub-sectors in January 2009. This strategic move provided an opportunity to place greater emphasis on youth and sports development. Today, this legacy continues under the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, which remains committed to promoting sports excellence, encouraging active lifestyles, and fostering holistic youth development across Ghana.

Organisational Structure of the Ministry

The Head of the Ministry, is the Minister. The Chief Director, who is the Administrative Head, is supported by four (4) line Directors: Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME), Research, Statistics and Information Management (RSIM), Finance and Administration (F&A) and Human Resource Management (HRM). Operationally, these higher-level officers, are assisted by Deputy Directors of Administration and their analogous grades, alongside a composite structure, referred to as Management. Additionally, key supporting staff: Chief Accountant, Director of Internal Audit and Head of Procurement, though outside the vertical spine of the Organogram, function concurrently with the Principal Officers in executing the mandate of the Ministry. In concurrence with other Ministries, the Ministry of Youth and Sports superintends over the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the National Sports College of Winneba (NSC-W), as its key agencies.  The Agencies, with the exception of NSC-W, have Governing Boards which are mandated to advise the Minister and provide strategic direction. The structure and operations of these Agencies are guided by their respective Acts.

Mandate

In line with Executive Instrument (E.I. 1), January 2025 (Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025) and section 11 and 13 of the Civil Service Law (PNDCL 327), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is mandated to formulate and implement government policies for the Sports and Recreation sector.

Vision

Enhanced sports and recreation ecosystem for personal well-being, international competitiveness and sustainable development.

Mission

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation exists to develop, promote and sustain accessible and inclusive sports and recreation ecosystem, foster opportunities through sector policies, programs and partnerships to enhance individual well-being, national unity and achieve local and international competitiveness.

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Policy Objectives

Policy Objectives of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation

  1. Promote sports development and excellence.
  2. Enhance youth participation in sports and recreation.
  3. Develop and maintain sports infrastructure.
  4. Promote gender equality and inclusion in sports.
  5. Enhance institutional capacity and governance.
  6. Encourage community-based recreation and active lifestyles.
  7. Foster international cooperation and partnerships.
  8. Support sports as a tool for economic growth.
  1. Based on section 13 of the Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDCL 327), the functions of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation are:
  2. Formulate/review national policies, strategies and frameworks for the development of the sports and recreation sector
  3. Coordinate and facilitate the development of sports and recreational infrastructure, talents, human resources, and administrative and operational ethics
  4. Undertake research to inform policies and programmes and promote the use of technology and innovation in sports and recreation.
  5. Monitor the sports and recreational infrastructure to ensure efficient and effective use and maintenanceProvide the framework, policy guidelines and standards for the training and capacity-building of sports personnel and professionals.
  6. Facilitate the development of policies, programmes and projects for equitable and inclusive participation in sports and recreation
  7. Foster partnerships with global sports bodies and promote international sports diplomacy.
  8. Coordinate the representation and participation in international and global sports fora and events to enhance national pride and global competitiveness.
  9. Facilitate the mobilization and ensure the efficient utilisation of resources for sport infrastructure development.
  10. Monitor and evaluate the performance of sports and recreational programmes.