Ghana, U.S. Deepen Sports Cooperation Ahead of LA28
Ghana and the United States are exploring deeper cooperation in sports development as Ghana begins early preparations towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The issue came into focus when the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, met the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Mr Rolf Olson, and other embassy officials to discuss Ghana’s sporting priorities and areas for stronger collaboration.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review Ghana’s experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly the visa and logistical arrangements that supported the country’s participation. Hon. Adams commended the U.S. Embassy for deploying additional personnel to facilitate visa processing and help ensure smoother arrangements for Ghanaian officials and athletes during the tournament.
With attention now turning to LA28, the Minister outlined the government’s broader plans to strengthen sports from the school and grassroots levels. He said the government’s vision places emphasis on identifying and developing young talent while promoting physical well-being and equipping young people with important life skills through sports.
Discussions with the U.S. delegation also covered preparations for the Olympics, including technical development for athletes and officials, qualification strategies and the need to begin travel and other logistical planning well ahead of the Games.
Mr Adams said Ghana had considerable sporting talent, noting that sustained success on the international stage would require stronger technical systems and deeper partnerships with international institutions and sporting stakeholders.
The two sides agreed to build on the cooperation established around the World Cup and expressed interest in identifying additional areas where Ghana and the United States could work together to support sports development.
For Ghana, the early focus on LA28 forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the foundations of the country’s sports system, develop talent and create the conditions for athletes to compete more consistently at the highest level.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
