Kofi Adams explores Hyundai partnership to develop school sports

Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has held talks with Hyundai Motor Group executives on a proposed partnership to develop school sports, football infrastructure and archery in the country.

The meeting, held at the Ministry on Monday, 19 October 2026, brought together Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice-President Ilbum Kim, Ghana’s Ambassador to South Korea, Kojo Choi, and representatives of Hyundai’s operations in Ghana.

The discussions focused on strengthening school and grassroots sports, improving access to equipment and developing facilities to support young athletes.

Mr Adams said the government was prioritising school and grassroots sports as the foundation for sustainable sporting development.

He noted that about 1.3 million students attend senior high and senior high technical schools in Ghana, highlighting the need for better infrastructure, equipment and corporate support to strengthen existing school competitions.

The minister acknowledged that grassroots sports might not generate immediate commercial returns but argued that establishing strong structures and standards could encourage greater private-sector investment.

One of the key proposals discussed was Hyundai’s potential support for the development of FIFA Arena mini-football pitches in Ghana, with the possibility of delivering the facilities in early 2027.

Mr Kim reaffirmed the company’s belief in sport as a tool for social development and expressed interest in working with FIFA to bring the initiative to Ghana.

He also commended the Ministry’s commitment to youth development, noting Ghana’s football heritage and potential.

Mr Adams welcomed the proposal but called for a broader partnership that would also provide schools with footballs, boots and other essential training equipment.

He said the proposed facilities should deliver lasting benefits to the communities in which they are established.

The minister also proposed an annual Hyundai National School Sports Championship to strengthen organised school competitions and provide a platform for identifying and developing young talent.

In response, Mr Kim said Hyundai would explore the possibility of reviving its One Million Dream Balls for Africa initiative, which was introduced during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

He said the company intended to engage its affiliated football club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to explore renewed support for the programme.

The proposed revival could provide an avenue for expanding access to football equipment among young players across the continent.

The discussions identified archery as another potential area of cooperation, drawing on Hyundai’s longstanding investment in the sport in South Korea.

Ambassador Kojo Choi said the development of archery in Ghana could attract interest from Hyundai’s leadership and create opportunities for equipment support, technical exchanges and youth development.

Both sides also highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ghana and South Korea, which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2027.

They noted existing Korean support for taekwondo development in Ghana and expressed optimism about extending cooperation to other sporting disciplines.

The Ministry and Hyundai Motor Group are expected to continue discussions on the proposed initiatives, with the aim of expanding sporting opportunities and creating sustainable development pathways for young people across Ghana.