Minister Kofi Adams Pledges Expanded Welfare Support and Formal Recognition for Retired Ghanaian Footballers
In a landmark commitment to honour and support Ghana’s football pioneers, Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams has announced plans to significantly expand welfare packages and formal recognition for retired footballers.
The pledge was made during a high-level meeting at the Ministry with a delegation from the Retired Footballers Association of Ghana (RFA), led by its president James Kuuku Dadzie. The group included revered former Black Stars players such as:
- Mohammed Polo
- Abdul Razak
- Willie Klutse
- George Alhassan
- Rev. Osei Kofi
The delegation appealed for structured, sustainable government support to address the financial, health, and social challenges many retired footballers face after hanging up their boots.
Minister Adams acknowledged the deep sacrifices and lasting contributions of these legends, expressing regret that support had previously been inconsistent and ad hoc.
“It is a shame that we have not been able to do them comprehensively and we have left it to be done in an ad hoc manner,” he said. “Some of the things that we read [about struggles of retired footballers] are heart wrenching.”
Central to the initiative is the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, which the Minister confirmed will now extend beyond developing active sports programmes to include dedicated welfare support for retired athletes. Planned benefits include:
- Health assistance and medical coverage
- Career transition and skills development programmes
- Pension and financial support mechanisms
- Formal recognition events and honours
- Mentorship and ambassadorial roles for former players
The Minister emphasised that these measures will ensure retired footballers are celebrated and supported long after their playing careers, reflecting their role in building Ghana’s football legacy.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by the football community, former players, fans, and sports administrators. Many see it as a long-overdue step toward dignity and security for those who brought pride to the nation on the pitch.
The Retired Footballers Association expressed appreciation for the Minister’s empathy and concrete commitment, describing the meeting as “fruitful” and “encouraging.” They pledged continued collaboration to ensure the welfare framework is effectively designed and implemented.
This development aligns with the government’s broader agenda to professionalise sports governance, improve athlete welfare, and leverage Ghana’s rich football heritage for national development and inspiration.
Further details on the structure, funding, and rollout of the expanded welfare component of the Sports Fund are expected in the coming weeks, with the Ministry promising stakeholder consultations to shape the final programme.
