World Cup Qualification Sparks Salary Pledges in Parliament

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddi Adams, used the occasion to call for sustained financial commitment to the sector, referencing the Ghana Sports Fund 2025 (Act 1159) as a statutory mechanism dedicated exclusively to sports development.

“Ghana has qualified for the World Cup, and it is in that context that I made the statement,” the Minister told the House, urging Members of Parliament to back the framework already developed by government. “Leadership of this House must support it. Ministers of State and the Executive must support it. Government has developed the framework, and we must now collectively strengthen it.”

In a symbolic gesture, the Minister disclosed that the National Investment Bank (NIB) had demonstrated leadership with a donation of GH¢100,000 to the Fund. He further announced that he would personally donate two months of his salary, effective February 2026, stressing that public officeholders must lead by example.

“If we expect the private sector to help, we must do the same,” he said.

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, subsequently rose to declare the Majority Caucus’ support for the initiative. He announced that the front bench of the Majority side had collectively committed their monthly salaries to the Fund.

“I am authorized to announce that members on the front bench of the Majority side are committing their monthly salaries to the Fund,” he stated, adding that the Minister for Roads had also pledged to do same.

The Chief Whip, he revealed, would go further by committing three months of his salary in support of the sports financing drive.

The Majority Leader commended the Sports Minister for initiating the conversation and encouraged colleagues across the aisle to emulate the gesture.

“In other countries, leaders donate generously to inspire the rest of the nation to follow suit,” he said, urging Members of the Minority to also contribute. “We all receive the same salary. There is no Majority salary and no Minority salary.”

Beyond parliamentary pledges, Mr. Ayariga proposed that Members mobilize support within their constituencies to deepen a culture of sports financing at the grassroots level.

“Even if it is a small amount, let us begin to build a culture of supporting the sporting sector,” he said. “We enjoy watching football. We enjoy the excitement. But we must also pay for it. It must be financed.”

The Majority Leader emphasized that while sports — particularly football — can become a lucrative industry, deliberate investment is required to elevate it to that level.

“Once the industry picks up, it becomes a huge money-making venture. But we must push it to the point where it becomes attractive to investors,” he added.

The debate signals growing political consensus around strengthening statutory financing for sports, with the Ghana Sports Fund positioned as a vehicle to mobilize both public and private contributions in the wake of Ghana’s renewed global football ambitions.