The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has heaped praise on Ghanaian athletes for their sterling performances at the recent ANOCA Zone III Games in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, describing them as true ambassadors who continue to project Ghana’s positive image on the global stage through sport.

During a presentation ceremony by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) in Accra, Mr Adams commended the athletes for their discipline, determination and resilience, culminating in an impressive 10-medal haul for Team Ghana. 

He also reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and the development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“When you invest in sports, you are investing in something good and great,” the minister declared.

He announced plans to construct multi-purpose sports courts in every district across the country, each designed with markings for basketball, netball, handball, tennis and volleyball as part of a broader initiative to expand access to sports facilities and talent development.

Mr Adams further disclosed that the soon-to-be-established Sports Development Fund would help address many logistical and financial challenges confronting athletes and sporting federations.

Ghana’s 47-member contingent, drawn from four disciplines — volleyball, handball, taekwondo and karate-do — delivered an all-round performance that saw every athlete return home with at least one medal. The team’s total of one gold, four silver and five bronze medals underlined Ghana’s growing competitiveness in the sub-region.

The men’s volleyball team emerged as the toast of the Games after a remarkable campaign that earned them the gold medal, while the men’s and women’s handball teams secured silver medals.

Ghana bagged two silver and two bronze medals in karate-do and the taekwondo team added three bronze medals to complete the impressive tally.

Congratulating the team, Mr Adams lauded the athletes for their grit and commitment in the face of limited resources, noting that their achievements demonstrated the strength and potential of Ghanaian sport.

“In all these difficult circumstances, you have proven yourselves and made the nation proud,” he said, assuring the athletes of continued government support ahead of future international assignments.

The minister also acknowledged the vital contributions of the GOC, technical officials and the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso, whose collaboration and support helped ensure the team's success.