Ghana’s sports landscape is marked by a significant imbalance, with a ministry dedicated to football but none for sports as a whole.
Bernard Anbataayela Morna, a veteran sports administrator, highlights this disparity, noting that the excessive focus on football overshadows grassroots development and infrastructure investment, ultimately hindering the growth of emerging talents.
A glaring gap exists in Ghanaian sports, where football receives disproportionate attention while other sports struggle for resources and support.
According to Bernard Anbataayela Morna, a seasoned sports administrator, this imbalance stifles grassroots development and talent nurturing.
Persecondnews reports that Ghana’s sports sector is heavily skewed towards football, with a dedicated ministry, while other sports are left to languish.
In an exclusive chat with Persecondnews correspondent in Abuja, Morna, President of Kalibi Sporting Club and the Presidential Candidate and Leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC) highlighted the deplorable state of sports infrastructure in Ghana, contrasting it with the magnificent MKO Abiola Stadium Complex in Abuja.
According to him, while the MKO Abiola Stadium has cutting-edge facilities for various sports, Ghana’s main sports complex in Accra is woefully inadequate.
“The lack of investment in sports infrastructure is a significant impediment to the development of sports in Ghana.”
Persecondnews reports that El-Wak Wings, a Ghanaian volleyball team, was poised to shine on the continental stage at the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja.
However, the team was denied the opportunity to participate due to a lack of state support.
This oversight is a testament to the neglect faced by sports beyond football in Ghana.
Morna urged Ghana and Nigeria to go beyond merely hosting continental competitions that are often dominated by North African teams, such as the All African Games in Accra and the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja, and instead focus on developing their own sports infrastructure and talents.
The Full interview:
PSN: What prompted you to invest in volleyball?
Morna: “Promoting the marginalised is crucial, and volleyball is one such sport that remains underappreciated in West African nations, particularly Ghana and Nigeria. While football garners significant attention, other sports that could bring glory to our nations are often overlooked by sports administrators.
“A prime example is the Ghanaian volleyball team, El-Wak Wings, which was set to participate in the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja but lacked state backing. This championship would have provided valuable exposure and helped uncover new talent for Ghana.
“As an advocate of Ghana Volleyball, I aim to highlight the benefits of this championship and advocate for its development in Ghana to enhance the national fortunes of volleyball.”
PSN: What are the major obstacles hindering Ghana sports success?
Morna: “The biggest challenge facing sports development in Ghana is inadequate sports infrastructure. I commend the MKO Abiola Stadium Complex, which boasts comprehensive facilities for various sports, including swimming, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and multiple pitches.
“In stark contrast, Ghana’s Premier Sports Complex and Accra Stadium lack basic facilities, such as a proper athletics track. This disparity highlights a broader issue: Ghana has a ministry of football, not a ministry of sport.
“It’s alarming that a nation with a rich football history, having won the African Cup of Nations in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, has failed to qualify for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
“The budget allocated to a single Black Stars player could have sponsored the El-Wak Wings to participate in the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship. Sports administrators must prioritise other sports to achieve continental and international success.
“Ghana’s reliance on past glory is unsustainable; sports administrators must recognize that sports is a serious business that can generate income, drive employment, and contribute to Ghana’s GDP.
“Generating income in sports requires proper investment in infrastructure and human resources. However, Ghana’s sports sector lacks investment in these critical areas. For instance, few Ghanaian coaches possess a Licence A coaching badge, which is essential for developing top-notch athletes.
“Moreover, when opportunities for skill development arise, such as the upcoming coaching course in Nigeria, Ghanaian officials are often denied funding to participate and sharpen their skills. This lack of investment in human resources hinders the growth and competitiveness of Ghanaian sports.”
PSN: Why has West Africa’s dominance in sports diminished in recent years?
Morna: “We must commend the French-speaking countries in West Africa for their coordination and strategic approach to sports, similar to the North Africans.
“Morocco’s teams, for instance, frequently participate in European competitions, which has contributed to their dominance in African sports. Egypt’s Al-Ahly is a prime example of success, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and football due to intentional investment and a focus on exposure through tournament participation.
“The North African region’s approach to talent development, including grassroots scouting and gradual development, allows their athletes to reach elite levels by ages 16-20. In contrast, West Africa relies heavily on mercenaries and age falsification.
“The disparity is evident in competitions like the African Games and the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, where North African teams consistently dominate.
“Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games resulted in Egypt’s dominance, and Egyptian teams have won 10 of the last 11 championships in women’s club volleyball. It’s time for West Africa to move beyond past glory and adopt a more strategic approach to sports development.”
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