Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, is set to play a prominent role at the 8th Association of International Sports Press (AIPS) Africa Congress scheduled to take place in Banjul, The Gambia. The event, which brings together sports journalists, media professionals and key stakeholders from across the continent, will run from February 6 to 9, 2026 and will focus on emerging trends in sports media and development.
Mr. Adams has been invited as a special guest speaker, where he will deliver a keynote presentation on a topic of significant importance: “The Role of Government in African Sports Development.” His appearance at the congress highlights Ghana’s engagement in continental conversations about the growth, governance and sustainability of sports, as well as the critical partnerships required between governments, journalists, and sporting bodies to drive progress.
The AIPS Africa Congress will be officially chaired by His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia, lending a high level of political visibility to the event. In addition to Mr. Adams, the congress will feature presentations and discussions by a number of distinguished sports officials from across Africa. Among them are Mr. Bakary Y. Bajide, The Gambia’s Minister for Youth and Sports; Hon. Shehu Dikko, Nigeria’s National Sports Commissioner; Hon. Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, Mali’s Minister for Youth and Sports; and Hon. Khady Gaye, Senegal’s Minister for Youth and Sports. Their participation reflects the multi-national nature of this important continental forum.
The congress has been organised under the theme “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa,” a subject that recognises how technology and professionalism are reshaping the media landscape. As digital platforms expand and artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to sports reporting, AIPS Africa seeks to equip journalists with the knowledge, tools and ethical frameworks necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving environment. The event will be held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, providing a central venue for intense dialogue, learning and networking.
For Mr. Adams, the congress presents a strategic opportunity not only to speak on policy but also to engage directly with fellow African sports ministers and media leaders. Scheduled discussions are expected to tackle pressing issues that affect the development of sports across the continent. Topics such as infrastructure growth, the welfare and protection of athletes, and collaboration between governments and the media are expected to be central to these conversations. By exchanging views with counterparts from other countries, Mr. Adams will help shape a collective approach to tackling shared challenges and leveraging opportunities that promote sporting excellence across Africa.
One of the key aims of the AIPS Africa Congress is to strengthen the capacity of sports journalists and enhance standards of professionalism and ethical reporting. The congress offers a platform for journalists to learn, network and grow professionally not only through panel discussions but also through workshops, peer engagement and exposure to best practices in sports media. Over the years, AIPS has promoted press freedom, defended the rights of sports journalists and contributed to the overall development of sports journalism on the continent. Its role in creating platforms for knowledge exchange has proven vital in an era where media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of sport and athlete narratives.
Ghana’s participation in the congress also includes representation by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG). Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, the Secretary General of SWAG, is expected to attend, further strengthening Ghana’s presence at the event. SWAG’s involvement underlines the importance of domestic media engagement in international forums and the continued development of sports journalism within Ghana.
The AIPS Africa Congress provides a rare opportunity for Ghana to highlight its sports policy direction while reinforcing collaborative networks with continental counterparts. In recent years, Ghana has emphasised sports as a key component of national identity and youth development, investing in infrastructure and programmes that elevate athletes and grow the industry. Participation in forums like AIPS allows policymakers and media professionals to benchmark ideas, share insights and collectively promote sports as a vehicle for social and economic development.
As the 2026 congress approaches, anticipation is building among attendees who see it not just as a chance to celebrate sports media but also to contribute to meaningful dialogue on how sports, governance, and technology intersect in Africa. With Mr. Adams set to address the assembly alongside other influential figures, Ghana’s voice is poised to be a central part of the conversation shaping the future of sports journalism and development across the continent.