Hon. Edem Agbana calls for long-term investment in sports development

Hon. Edem Agbana has urged stakeholders in Ghana’s football sector to draw valuable lessons from the success of the Right to Dream Academy, which he described as one of the most effective football development institutions globally. 

He said the academy’s achievements prove that African countries have the potential to become major producers of football talent if they commit to long-term planning and investment.

According to Hon. Agbana, many people underestimate the financial demands of football development. He explained that building successful football institutions requires continuous investment in modern facilities, quality coaching, academic education, sports medicine, and the overall welfare of young players. 

These investments, he noted, create a foundation for sustainable success rather than temporary achievements.

The MP highlighted the emergence of several top footballers from the Right to Dream system, including Ernest Nuamah, Simon Adingra, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Mohammed Kudus, and Caleb Yirenkyi. He stated that their rise to prominence reflects a carefully designed development structure that focuses on both athletic excellence and personal growth, preparing players for success on and off the field.

He further emphasized that Ghana must shift its focus from short-term football ambitions to building strong development systems. Agbana believes that investing in academies can unlock opportunities for thousands of young people, create employment, attract international partnerships, and position football as a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development.