NSA regional directors complete landmark US sports facility tour during World Cup

While the 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought joy and excitement to millions across the globe, for Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), the tournament has served as a critical working mission. Three Regional Sports Directors have successfully completed an extensive tour of sports institutions and facilities across the United States, gathering valuable insights to transform Ghana’s sports infrastructure.

The delegation, comprising directors from the Ashanti, Central, and Western Regions, concluded their tour in Philadelphia with what officials described as an eye-opening experience. The visit included comprehensive assessments of World Cup stadia, allied sports facilities, and educational institution sports complexes, with the directors studying everything from infrastructure design to operational management.

Learning from the American Model

Nana Gyaamah Dankwah, Ashanti Regional Director who has served the NSA for 19 years, emphasized the need for Ghana to adopt the American approach to talent development. “It is time to do things the American way by learning how they produce champions from the source,” she stated. She proposed that communities should have lands specially allocated for sports, describing sports as a social intervention that requires dedicated investment. “We need to invest more into sports because the rewards are enormous,” she added.

Madam Joyce Datsa of the Central Region, known for her leadership in community sports initiatives, noted that Americans take sports seriously, with particular attention to support systems, sanitation, security, and other essential services across various disciplines.

Mr. Cephas Fleming of the Western Region, who has previously spoken on facility management challenges in Ghana, expressed confidence that what he observed can be replicated at home with good investment and proper maintenance.

Strategic Vision from the Top

Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the NSA, who is overseeing football as one of the disciplines under his jurisdiction, described the FIFA World Cup as offering multiple opportunities that smart countries will seize to advance their sports agenda.

While Ankrah initially remained in Ghana to experience World Cup watch parties at NSA facilities across the country, he plans to travel to the United States later in the tournament.

Black Stars Progress

Ankrah commended the Black Stars for reaching the knockout stage and expressed hopes for their continued advancement to the finals. He also praised the Ghanaian supporters and media representatives in the US for their wonderful integration with Ghanaian Afro-Americans.

The Black Stars have drawn thousands of fans to stadiums across America and face Colombia in the Round of 32 clash in Kansas City on Friday.