Dr. Austin Luguterah criticizes Ghana’s sports development, calls for strategic reforms

6th November 2024

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Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness at the University of Ghana, has voiced deep concerns over the stagnation in Ghana's sports development, attributing it to misplaced priorities and lack of commitment from governing authorities.

In an interview on Joy News' Prime Take with Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, Dr. Luguterah outlined the struggles facing Ghanaian sports, highlighting the underperformance of major sports like football, boxing, and athletics in recent international tournaments.

He believes that the approach of officials and the Sports Ministry lacks focus and structure.

"Our priorities are wrong as far as sports in this country is concerned. We look at successful nations and want to emulate their results without understanding the foundation they built," he stated.

He emphasized the importance of foundational support, arguing that Ghana is often quick to focus on the financial benefits of sports without investing in the necessary infrastructure or long-term planning.

“We say the United States is making money in sports, so we want the same. But we overlook the decades of preparation and systems they have in place,” Dr. Luguterah remarked.

Dr. Luguterah also highlighted the absence of a binding sports policy in Ghana, noting that “policy is binding, but manifestos are not.”

He called for a national sports policy to ensure consistent development rather than the shifting priorities seen with each new administration.

The challenges are clear: for the first time since 2004, Ghana did not qualify a boxer for the 2024 Olympics.

The Black Stars, who last claimed the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982, have faced early exits in recent tournaments. Meanwhile, Ghana's track and field team has not medaled at the Olympics in over five decades.

Dr. Luguterah’s comments underscore the urgency of a cohesive, long-term sports strategy in Ghana, one that prioritizes foundational development and sustainable growth across all disciplines.