By: Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has once again demonstrated decisive leadership and an innovative approach to Sports administration by delivering a record-breaking 2025 President’s Cup that filled the Accra Sports Stadium to capacity.
This achievement marks the second major national football event under his tenure to record maximum attendance, following the full house during Ghana’s 5-0 victory over Chad in March.
The 2025 President’s Cup was a clear departure from previous years, notably the 2023 edition, which struggled to attract more than 5,000 spectators amid a decline in public confidence and interest in domestic football. Against this backdrop, Kofi Adams has redefined event management in Ghanaian sport through targeted mobilisation, strategic partnerships, and a clear focus on fan experience.
From the outset, the Minister engaged GHALCA to establish a collaborative framework for planning. Recognising the importance of sustainable financing, he constituted a dedicated Fundraising Committee chaired by Dr Tony Aubynn and Bola Ray, tasked with raising resources exclusively through public-private partnerships.
The Minister personally led this effort from his office, issuing partnership proposals and sponsorship letters to both public and private sector organisations. As a result, the entire event was delivered without drawing a single cedi from government coffers. This is a clear demonstration of his conviction that sports, when marketed strategically, can be self-sustaining.
Kofi Adams also prioritised the unification of all major supporters’ groups under a single umbrella, ensuring cohesive mobilisation and a vibrant atmosphere on match day.
To address early visibility gaps, he initiated a robust media awareness drive, while collaborating with the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regional Ministers to spark a friendly rivalry on social media that significantly boosted public interest across both regions.
True to his promise to deliver an experience that extended beyond football, the Minister engaged Shatta Wale, who not only agreed to perform pro bono in honour of the President and the Ghanaian people but personally covered all costs related to dancers, costumes, rehearsals and production. Supporting performances by Kwaku Smoke and Camidoh further elevated the entertainment value of the event.
Mr Kofi Adams also reached out to leading media and entertainment personalities to amplify promotion, ensuring the event was top of mind for sports fans nationwide.
Beyond the spectacle, the Minister has maintained a sustained focus on facility management and standards.
Since assuming office on 7 February, he has contracted a dedicated taskforce to oversee the maintenance of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch, while implementing critical renovations to ensure compliance with CAF and FIFA requirements.
Importantly, he directed that the performance stage be constructed behind the goalposts to preserve the playing surface, reflecting his attention to detail and commitment to protecting Ghana’s sports infrastructure.
This milestone achievement follows the resounding success of the Black Stars fixture against Chad earlier this year. Both events collectively demonstrate that with innovative thinking, deliberate stakeholder engagement and strategic marketing, the narrative around Ghanaian sports can be transformed.
Mr Kofi Adams’ leadership of the 2025 President’s Cup is more than an event. It is a clear signal that public confidence is returning and that Ghana’s sports sector has the capacity to thrive on its own merit.
