NSA Involves Media in Planning of Constituency Games Ahead of October Launch

Story by Fada Amakye

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has adopted a new consultative approach for its flagship Constituency Games, involving the media in the planning and oversight of the programme before its rollout.

The nationwide games are proposed to start in October 2026 and run for six months, subject to final approval.

Speaking at a press engagement at the NSP Hotel, the Chairman of the Resource Mobilization and Partnership Committee of the NSA Governing Board, *Samson Deen, said the Authority will no longer brief the media only after decisions are taken.

We have decided that we shall involve the media in every aspect of the recent Ghana sport agenda,”_ he said, describing the engagement as a professional stress test to identify blind spots and strengthen the programme.

Mr. Deen disclosed that the NSA has already held extensive consultations with sports federations, including a three-hour question-and-answer session with federation representatives.

He added that the Authority will continue engagements with Ministers of State, Parliament, community stakeholders and potential sponsors.

According to him, a definitive Constituency Games Handbook will be published to consolidate all stakeholder inputs. The handbook will be made available on the NSA’s official websites and mobile apps.

Key areas under review include logistics, venue readiness, budgets, financial discipline and operational responsibilities.

Mr. Deen said the consultative approach is aimed at ensuring the games are accessible beyond Accra, equitable across all constituencies, and secure.

As part of the partnership, the NSA has asked each media organization to:

Submit one recommendation to improve fairness, safety or verifiability of the games.

Nominate a focal person in the newsroom for verified information flow.

Follow at least one constituency story from registration to the final outcome.

He assured that the NSA will provide timely information, distinguish between confirmed and provisional decisions, and correct the public record when necessary.

Let us build public confidence before publicity, he stressed.

Mr. Deen noted that the next steps include finalizing consultations, incorporating media inputs into the handbook, and completing operational validations. He emphasized that the October timeline and budget remain provisional until formally approved.