2022 Swag Journalist of the Year Sadick Adams asked the former President with respect to the 24-hour economy and its impact on sports.
Mahama’s response
In a media engagement at the Kempinski Hotel on July 7, former president of Ghana and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Mahama, shared his insights on the state of sports and infrastructure in the country. Reflecting on his experiences abroad, Mahama highlighted the stark differences between Ghana’s facilities and world-class standards, such as the Kremlin stadium.
Mahama noted that while international events like the African Cup of Nations have provided opportunities to upgrade local infrastructure, these have often been underutilized. He emphasized that, given the current economic crisis, it would be unrealistic to promise new stadiums immediately. Instead, Mahama proposed a long-term vision under the “Big Push” initiative, which aims to allocate funds over five years to build essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, parks, and sports facilities.
He stressed the potential of sports to contribute significantly to a 24-hour economy, citing examples from other countries where nighttime sports events boost economic activity. However, in Ghana, the lack of adequate lighting forces matches to end before sunset, limiting both the sports experience and associated economic benefits.
Mahama committed to investing in sports activities and encouraging private sector involvement to improve facilities and services. By fostering a dynamic sports culture that operates day and night, he envisions a sustainable and engaging environment for all Ghanaians. This approach aims to integrate sports into the broader economic and social framework, promising a brighter future for sports in Ghana.
