Basically, the Ministry derives its broad functions from section 1 3 of PNDCL 327 of 1993 which provides, inter alia, that:

A Ministry shall:

• Initiate and formulate policies, taking into account the needs and aspirations of the people;
• Undertake   development   planning   in   consultation   with   the National Development Planning Commission; and
• Co-ordinate,    monitor    and    evaluate    the    efficiency    and effectiveness of the performance of the Sector.

In furtherance of this, the Ministry:

1. monitors and evaluates the programmes of three (3} main statutory institutions which subsist on subvention and for which it has administrative responsibility. These institutions are:
   • The National Sports Council
   • The National Youth Council
   • The National Sports College (Winneba)
   • The National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP)
2. plans and programmes all inputs for sector operations and     analyses and co-ordinates all planned programmes;
3. ensures the application of standards and rules consistent with the generally accepted patterns of the Public Administration System;
4. promotes the development and maintenance of appropriate structures for promoting efficiency and effectiveness of sector activities.