President Mahama Directs Priority Recruitment of Athletes into Security Agencies

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a directive to the Interior Minister to give priority to people with sporting talent during security agency recruitment.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Black Queens at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, the President noted that the initiative formed part of broader plans to invest in sports development. 

He said the directive aims to utilize existing security agency facilities to nurture athletic talent while providing career opportunities for sports people.

According to the president, the policy represents part of government’s strategy to “scout for talents across the country, catch them young and train them.” 

He positioned security agencies as untapped resources for sports development, noting their existing infrastructure and training capabilities.

The announcement came the President received the bronze medal from the Black Queens following their performance at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted by Morocco. 

He commended the team’s achievement, telling them “you made us proud. You lost gallantly to the host country Morocco and Ghanaians are impressed.”

The president described their semi-final match against Morocco as tough, stating “I want to congratulate the entire management and the team for playing with a lion’s heart. Playing against a host country is not easy but you held them on and lost the penalty kick. In spite of that you were not discouraged and play your hearts out to bring home the bronze medal.”

The president outlined additional sports development plans, including providing modern sports stadia for all regions currently without such facilities under the big push initiative. 

He also announced plans to equip select schools with sports facilities to serve as “incubating zones” for talent development.

According to him, the government is “thinking about a dedicated source for funding sports” and he pledged continued support for the Ghana Football Association (GFA). 

He expressed optimism about future achievements, telling the Black Queens “I am optimistic that before I end my tenure you shall bring home the ultimate cup – the gold medal.”

Present at the ceremony were Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Executive Secretary Dr Callistus Mahama, Sports Minister leading the team, the GFA President and other officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. 

President Mahama and the Vice President later presented an undisclosed cash amount as their token gift to the Black Queens for their tournament performance.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD