Gov't refutes reports of new sports levy, assures public no new tax for sports fund

The government has rejected claims that Cabinet has approved a new “Sports Levy” to fund the proposed National Sports Development Fund, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement shared on X on Friday, October 10, 2025, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that no new levy or tax measure has been introduced or approved by Cabinet.

The clarification followed media reports citing a Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) official, who claimed that the Sports Development Fund would be financed through a special levy.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no such levy has been proposed, and neither has same been approved by Cabinet,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed.

He confirmed that while Cabinet has endorsed the creation of the Sports Development Fund, its financing will come from existing non-tax revenue streams within the sports and gaming sectors—not from any new tax or levy.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the government’s approach aims to ensure sustainable funding for sports development without adding financial strain on citizens.

The Sports Development Fund, expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026, will support grassroots sports, maintenance of sporting facilities, and national teams across disciplines such as football, athletics, and boxing.

He further emphasized that the government remains committed to accountability and transparency in its sports reform agenda and urged the public to disregard the false reports suggesting otherwise.