Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called for stronger African integration, better protection for athletes and sustainable financing for sports development during a forum in Russia.

His remarks highlighted the need for African countries to work together to remove barriers that limit cooperation, improve opportunities for athletes and create sustainable systems for funding sports programmes.

The discussions also focused on the role of sports in promoting international cooperation, youth development and economic opportunities across the continent.

Advocating a Borderless Africa

Kofi Adams emphasised the importance of building a more connected Africa where people, athletes and sports professionals can move across borders with fewer obstacles.

Greater regional integration could help African athletes access competitions, training facilities and professional opportunities in other countries.

It could also encourage cooperation among sports federations, coaches, administrators and investors, allowing countries to share expertise and resources.

A more connected African sports sector could create opportunities for joint competitions, talent development and stronger representation at international sporting events.

Protecting Athletes and Their Welfare

Athlete protection was another key issue highlighted at the forum.

Athletes need appropriate medical care, safe training environments, fair treatment and support for their welfare throughout their careers.

Protective measures are particularly important for young and emerging athletes, who may face challenges involving contracts, exploitation, inadequate facilities and limited access to professional guidance.

Stronger safeguarding systems and clear accountability measures can help sports institutions protect athletes while creating conditions for them to perform at their best.

Sustainable Financing for Sports Development

Kofi Adams also highlighted the importance of sustainable financing for sports.

Sports development requires consistent investment in facilities, coaching, competitions, grassroots programmes and athlete welfare. Depending solely on government funding can limit the ability of sports institutions to plan and sustain long-term projects.

Partnerships involving governments, private businesses, sponsors and international sports organisations could help broaden funding sources.

Well-managed financing systems can also improve transparency and ensure that available resources support clearly defined development goals.

For African countries, stronger investment in sports infrastructure and youth programmes could help identify talent, improve performance and create employment opportunities across the sports industry.

Strengthening International Sports Cooperation

The forum in Russia provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting sports development and cooperation among countries.

For Ghana, engagement in international sports discussions can help promote the country’s interests, explore partnerships and contribute to conversations about the future of the global sports sector.

The emphasis on African integration, athlete protection and sustainable financing reflects several challenges that sports administrators must address to build stronger and more inclusive sporting systems.

Further details about the specific proposals, agreements or commitments arising from Adams’ participation were not provided in the information available for this report.

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Source :Ghana News Page