Ghana’s president-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to breathe new life into the nation’s sporting landscape, promising a holistic revival of all disciplines. In a speech that resonated deeply with sports enthusiasts across the country, Mahama reminisced about the golden days of Ghanaian sports, particularly the era of Azumah Nelson, whose boxing exploits brought the nation together.
“When we were young, we used to stay up till 4:00 AM to watch Azumah Nelson fight in Australia,” Mahama said with a smile, drawing nostalgic cheers from the crowd. “We’re going to recapture those days here in the Bukom Boxing Arena.”
Mahama’s vision goes beyond nostalgia. While acknowledging the central role of football in Ghana’s sporting identity, he stressed the importance of nurturing other sports to elevate the nation’s international standing. “It shouldn’t only be boxing. It shouldn’t only be football; it should be all the other sports,” he emphasized. “When we go for the Olympics and you see a country win 67 gold medals, it is not only football.”
The president-elect’s words signal a broader commitment to sports development, one that includes investment in infrastructure, grassroots programs, and athlete support across various disciplines. His focus on the Bukom Boxing Arena, a historic hub for Ghanaian boxing, underscores his intent to restore boxing’s former glory while providing a platform for emerging talent.
Beyond boxing, Mahama’s administration aims to revitalize athletics, volleyball, basketball, and other lesser-funded sports. This comprehensive approach could transform Ghana into a competitive force on the global stage, particularly in events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
Mahama’s vision also prioritizes youth engagement. He highlighted the need to create opportunities for young people to participate in sports as a means of fostering discipline, teamwork, and national pride. “Sports unite us. They inspire us. We must give our youth the chance to dream and to excel.”
The announcement has been met with optimism by sports federations, athletes, and fans alike, many of whom have long called for greater government support. Stakeholders believe that Mahama’s leadership could usher in a new era of excellence, not just for football or boxing but for every sport that carries the Ghanaian flag to the world stage.
As Ghana prepares to welcome a new government, the promise of revitalized sports has ignited hope across the nation.
