UG Sports Director criticises Ghanaâs approach to sports development
Dr Austin Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness at the University of Ghana, has voiced concerns over Ghana’s stagnant sports development, attributing it to a lack of priority from authorities.According to Dr. Luguterah, sports in Ghana has struggled to progress, with key disciplines like football, boxing, and athletics underperforming in recent tournaments, sparking scrutiny over the approach of officials and the Sports Ministry.In an interview on Joy News’ Prime Take with Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, Dr. Luguterah highlighted what he sees as misguided priorities.”Our priorities are wrong [in this country as far as sports is concerned]. We want to copy but we dont want to find out how they are making it,” he remarked.He emphasised the need for foundational support: We are quick to say the United States are getting money in sports, lets also get money there. But what foundation did they build to get to that level?Dr. Luguterah also pointed to Ghanas lack of a sports policy, saying, “Policy is binding [but] manifestos are not binding.”Ghanas sports challenges are evident. For the first time since 2004, the nation had no representation in boxing at the 2024 Olympic Games.The Black Stars, who last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982, were eliminated in the group stage of the last two tournaments.Additionally, Ghana’s track and field team has not medaled at the Olympics for over five decades.
