Sustainable Development Goals through Sport: An Analysis of Policy Implementation in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: The explicit mention of sport as an enabler for sustainable development in the United Nations’ Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development policy document marked a significant development milestone. This prompted several governments to partner with relevant stakeholders in order to incorporate sport into their development plans. In Ghana, like in many countries, sport policies are identified as social development objectives linked to specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nevertheless, acknowledging or recognising the potential of sport does not, in itself, constitute conclusive evidence of a deep commitment or successful implementation in local communities.

Aim: The primary aim of this study is to analyse the policy goals and implementations of state and non-state sport organisations in Ghana and the extent to which they contribute to national development. To this end, this study addresses three of the 17 SDGs: healthy living (SDG 3), gender equality and girls’ and women’s empowerment (SDG 5), and disability (SDG 10).

Theoretical framework: Two levels of theories were used to analyse the policy and implementation of the SDGs through sport in local Ghanaian communities. (a) As a starting point, macro-level theories of the state – such as themes on state power, neo-pluralism, and neo-institutionalism – helped to explain how the SDGs were translated into national sport policies. (b) Furthermore, three specific theories that underpin implementation involving different actors were used as the primary analytical frameworks: Matland’s ambiguityconflict model, Cooky and Messner’s socio-structural perspective and the Rhodes and Marsh’s policy network theory were used to analyse the implementation of healthy living, girls’ and women’s participation in community sport and sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities, respectively. These theories point to barriers and social mechanisms operative in the processes of implementing sport and SDGs (healthy living, gender, and disability) within Ghanaian communities.

Methodology: The case study methodology is based on qualitative data collected from authorities that design and implement policy, regional sports directors, representatives from District Sports Units (DSUs), national sports federations/associations officials and representatives from organisations that use sport as a tool for development and peace. In total, 52 participants participated in semi-structured interviews (n=25) and focus group discussions (n=27). In addition, the document analysis of sports policies and other relevant documents was conducted to complement the semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with the research participants. Key point to note: DSUs work closely with regional sport offices and are funded by district assemblies.

Findings: The findings show the complexity of the policy implementation nexus concerning sport and the SDGs in Ghana. They are presented in five articles that address various aspects of the main research questions. The findings of Articles 1 and 2 concern the translation of the SDGs into national sport policy guidelines. Articles 3, 4, and 5 focus on the implementation of healthy living, girls’ and women’s participation in community sport, and sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities within Ghanaian communities, respectively.

Conclusion: The aim of this study is to analyse the policies and implementation of sustainability goals through sports organisations in Ghana. Significantly, the findings of the study show that Ghana’s government policies regarding sport for sustainable development are clearly formulated and widely promoted, echoing trends in Zambia and other nations. Across the five articles, the study reveals four significant concerns encompassing politics, sociocultural dynamics, organisational conditions and institutional frameworks. All of these significantly undermine policy outcomes and hinder the effective implementation of sport and SDGs in Ghana. Entrenched within the four are notable social mechanisms comprising the following: politics – skewed allocation of sport funds towards football; socio-cultural dynamics – patriarchal nature of Ghanaian society, religious beliefs and entrenched perceptions of gender roles, attitudes towards persons with disabilities and pervasive football culture; organisation conditions – lack of sufficient funds, qualified sports leaders and women in leadership roles; institutional frameworks – absence of clear policy implementation guidelines, non-inclusive policy making process and limited legitimacy of SDP organisations. These challenges compromise Ghana’s commitment to using sports as a tool for sustainable development. To this end, it is essential to conduct a rigorous assessment of local needs and in order to consult with state and non-state actors, including those at the district and regional levels.