President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday presented a cheque for $50,000 each to Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani Gold Stars and MTN FA Cup holders Asante Kotoko at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The gesture forms part of government’s support package for the two clubs as they prepare to represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. The funds, the President explained, were to cushion the teams against rising travel expenses, particularly air tickets and accommodation, as they embark on their continental campaigns.
Reflecting on Ghana’s rich football heritage, President Mahama hailed the historic exploits of Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak in the 1960s and 1970s. He urged the current generation to recapture those glory days and restore Ghana’s reputation as a continental powerhouse.
“As you go into Africa, I want to encourage you to do us proud. We will stand by you, we will help you,” he said.
The President further revealed that sports remains a priority in government’s development agenda. He disclosed that the 2026 Budget Statement, to be presented in November, would make provisions for the construction of seven new stadiums across the country, ensuring every region has a modern facility.
“We are creating a Sports Development Fund, and encouraging government and corporate Ghana to contribute. With this, we can better support our clubs both locally and on the continental stage,” he said, adding that each Premier League club had already received GH₵1 million as start-up support for the ongoing season.
Addressing the players, President Mahama emphasised discipline, unity, and results.
“Football is about goals. We don’t want to hear ‘they played well but lost.’ The ball must go into the net. That is what matters,” he said to loud applause.
The President also reminded the players of their role as role models, stressing that millions of Ghanaians—especially young aspiring footballers—would be following their progress closely. “Sports unites us as a country, and football above all does so. Investing in football is investing in national unity,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by key sports personalities including Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Eddie Adams, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, and Director-General of the National Sports Authority Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
