The government has firmly dismissed reports claiming that Cabinet has approved a new “Sports Levy” to finance the proposed National Sports Development Fund.
In a Facebook post on Friday, October 10, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that no such levy has been introduced or approved.
His statement comes after days of public speculation sparked by comments attributed to a member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), which suggested that the new fund would rely on a special levy for its financing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no such levy has been proposed, and neither has same been approved by Cabinet,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu wrote.
He confirmed that the executive arm of government, led by the President, has indeed approved the establishment of a Sports Development Fund, but its financing will not involve any new tax measure. Instead, he explained that a proposed Bill to create the Fund has been endorsed by Cabinet and will soon be laid before Parliament for consideration.
The Fund, according to the minister, will be supported by existing non-tax revenue sources within the sports and gaming ecosystem.
This approach, he said, is designed to ensure sustainable and predictable funding for Ghana’s sporting sector without placing additional financial pressure on citizens.
The government expects the Fund to become operational by the first quarter of 2026, providing consistent support for grassroots sports, facility maintenance, and national teams across various disciplines, including football, athletics, and boxing.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu’s clarification effectively separates the proposed Sports Development Fund from any suggestions of a new direct tax or levy, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency in its efforts to reform sports financing in Ghana.
