Operate within sports governance law or face revocation of license – NSA Director General warns

The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) has issued a firm warning to all sports federations and associations: operate strictly within the provisions of the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934) or risk having their licenses revoked.

Speaking at a major stakeholder gathering, the NSA chief stressed that the era of sidestepping regulations, taking shortcuts, and outright flouting of established rules by sports federations must not continue.

Act 934, Ghana’s primary sports legislation, repealed previous decrees and formally established the National Sports Authority as the overarching body responsible for managing, promoting, and developing all sports in the country. The NSA operates under the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The Director General described the recent warning not as a threat but as “friendly advice” from the Authority, reiterating the call by Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President, Hon. Richard Akpokavie Esq., for all associations to align with the guidelines of the Sports Regulation LI 2477 of 2023.

Citing the recent case of Ghana Boxing, the Director General noted that under the supervision of the Minister for Sports and Recreation, last-resort measures can be taken to resolve disputes and chart a path forward.

“The future of Ghana sports will always be brighter when we agree to cooperate and walk together with a common goal to see sports in our country rise to new heights,” he said.

The NSA boss also praised the GOC leadership for what he described as a smooth transition, stability, and notable innovations achieved in a relatively short time under Hon. Akpokavie. He called on all bodies, institutions, federations, and associations to operate with confidence and freedom—but strictly within the confines of the laws governing Ghana’s sports ecosystem.

“We are partners, not competitors,” he emphasized. “We must complement each other’s roles and strengths. Let us support the ecosystem to reduce our weaknesses. We are cohorts, collaborators, and contributors to our consistently evolving, thriving, and dynamic sports landscape.”

He concluded with a “big thumbs up” to the GOC leadership for initiating and activating six strategic core targets and objectives earlier outlined by the President, as well as for strengthening the bond among Ghana sports stakeholders.

“This is indeed the way forward,” the Director General said. “Together we can do better and rise higher.”