Ghana Parliament approves National Sports Fund powered by betting revenue
President Mahama appoints David Wuaku to lead the Fund, channelling betting and gaming proceeds alongside other revenue streams into national sports development.
Ghana.- Ghana is turning betting and gaming revenue into a key driver of national sports. Parliament has approved the Ghana Sports Fund’s enabling Bill, and President John Dramani Mahama has appointed David Wuaku as its first Administrator. The Fund will draw on a range of existing revenue streams, including proceeds from sports betting, gaming, lotteries, sponsorships and other commercial sports income, all without introducing new taxes.
Parliament passed the Fund’s enabling Bill on December 18, 2025, giving it legal force and paving the way for operational rollout. The legislation sets out how revenue from betting and other sources will be collected, managed and distributed to support national sports programmes. The approval marks a shift from policy to action, providing Ghanaian sport a predictable funding mechanism.
Wuaku described the launch as a turning point for Ghanaian sport. “This is not just about managing funds, it’s about restoring hope to our athletes, our coaches and everyone who believes in the transformative power of sports,” he said.
The Fund is structured to support grassroots programmes, elite athlete development and national sports infrastructure. Betting and gaming revenue is expected to contribute a significant portion of the Fund’s resources.
Strong governance and transparency
To ensure accountability and proper use of funds, the Ghana Sports Fund has established a robust governance framework, combining clear oversight with transparent reporting.
Wuaku added: “Ghanaians deserve to see how their resources are being used to develop sports. We will establish clear processes, regular reporting mechanisms and open channels of communication with all stakeholders.”
The 11-member Governing Board has been inaugurated, with Professor Koryoe Anim-Wright as Chair. The Board will oversee revenue mobilisation, fund management and distribution to ensure that betting and gaming-derived funds, alongside other income streams, are deployed effectively and transparently.
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams emphasised the Fund’s accountability framework, stating: “This Fund must serve sport, not interests. It must reward performance, not proximity, and invest in systems, not shortcuts.”
By formally integrating betting and gaming levies into a broader national sports financing framework, Ghana is creating a sustainable model that could serve as a regional benchmark for how regulated gambling markets can support national development while maintaining governance, transparency and measurable impact at all levels of sport.
