{
  "id": 6301925,
  "title": "Prez Mahama promises support for Ghanaian clubs competing in Africa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/prez-mahama-promises-support-for-ghanaian-clubs-competing-in-africa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T16:48:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/prez-mahama-promises-support-for-ghanaian-clubs-competing-in-africa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President John Dramani Mahama has pledged assistance to Ghanaian football clubs participating in continental competitions through a new Sports Development Fund. During a meeting with Ghanaian clubs at the Presidency, the President highlighted that football serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the nation's image, as it has helped Ghanaian clubs and football legends gain international recognition. He reminisced about Ghanaian clubs' dominance in African soccer, particularly Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, but expressed concern over the decline in the country's football fortunes in recent years.\n\nMahama emphasized the necessity for Ghana to rebuild robust clubs capable of competing and winning major continental trophies. He commended private individuals who contribute financially to football clubs and acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the teams. The government has established the Sports Development Fund to aid both national teams and Ghanaian clubs qualifying for continental competitions, though the fund is still in its nascent stage and has limited resources. Nonetheless, the President assured the clubs that as the fund expands, the government will provide more substantial support.\n\nThe President expressed optimism regarding the clubs' performance in this year's continental competitions, urging greater focus and investment in women's football. He pointed out that Ghanaian women's national teams have won more trophies than their male counterparts, yet more funds are often directed towards men's football. Mahama called for efforts to identify and nurture young football talents, lamenting the decline of the Colts football system, which once played a significant role in developing young players. He urged the Ghana Football Association to explain the current state of the Colts League and emphasized the need for stakeholders to prioritize the development of young talents to restore Ghana's football fortunes.",
  "summary": "President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaian football clubs competing in continental competitions of support through the newly established Sports Development Fund. He gave the assurance when he welcomed Ghanaian clubs preparing to represent the country in various African tournaments at the Presidency. President Mahama described football as an important tool for promoting Ghana’s image, ……",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Mahama raises concern over refereeing as Medeama, Nations FC receive support",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/mahama-raises-concern-over-refereeing-as-medeama-nations-fc-receive",
        "published": "2026-09-08T18:35:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}