Interior Minister Assures Revival of SESSA Games to Boost Sports Development and Security Service Unity

By Achore Richard

The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has assured personnel of Ghana’s security agencies that the long-awaited revival of the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) Games will take place soon.

Speaking at the 2026 Security Service Fun Football Gala held on June 5, 2026, at the, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the Minister emphasized government’s commitment to restoring the prestigious competition, which has historically played a key role in discovering and nurturing some of Ghana’s finest sporting talents.

The gala brought together teams from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, creating a platform for camaraderie, teamwork, and healthy competition among the country’s security institutions.

Key Quotes from Hon. Muntaka

On the revival of the games, he declared:

Government can assure you that we are going to revive the Security Service Sports Association (SESSA) Games in a more beautiful way than ever.

He further challenged the heads of the security services to prepare for the return of the competition:

So the IGP, the CDS, the Comptroller-General, the Director-General, the Chief Fire Officer and all the others, please prepare.

In a light-hearted moment, he suggested active participation by top officials:

I was telling the IGP and the CDS earlier that the next time we have these games, all of us will have to play at least the first five minutes together with our team to show solidarity.

On the importance of the SESSA Games, Hon. Muntaka highlighted their contribution to national sports development:

“The SESSA will commence very, very soon and we want to organise it in a way that the whole country will realise that the security services are there.”

He explained that the competition would serve as a pathway for identifying and retaining sporting talents within the security services.

Because I believe that it is a way we can even keep our national athletes and sportsmen and women within the security service, maintain discipline and get them to represent our country at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and many other international competitions.

The Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting security personnel and their leadership.

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you and assure you that we will continue to be there. Government will continue to support your service commanders and make your profession a great one.

Looking ahead to the return of the games, he added:

I believe when we meet at the SESSA Games, we will even have more fun, entertain ourselves and be able to work together better than we did today.

Why the Revival of SESSA Matters

The revival of the SESSA Games carries significant importance for both sports and national development. Historically, the competition has served as a breeding ground for talented athletes who have gone on to represent Ghana at national, continental, and international competitions.

Beyond talent identification, the games strengthen unity among the security services, improve physical fitness, encourage teamwork, and promote inter-agency collaboration. The Minister’s vision also seeks to create an avenue for athletes serving in the security institutions to continue their sporting careers while maintaining professional discipline and contributing to national security.

The renewed SESSA Games are expected to become a major platform for sports excellence, national cohesion, and the discovery of future Olympians and Commonwealth Games representatives from Ghana’s security services.

The Minister concluded by congratulating the Ghana Immigration Service men’s team and the Ghana Police Service women’s team for emerging champions of the 2026 Security Service Fun Football Gala, expressing confidence that the return of the SESSA Games will further strengthen relationships among the country’s security institutions and elevate sports development nationwide.