A comprehensive sports policy for Ghana - Minister

Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister has announced that government was drafting a comprehensive sports policy and programme that would promote the development of every aspect of sports and games instead of its emphasis on selected areas.

He said school sports would also continue to receive the necessary support since government believed in the policy of getting "them right when they are young".

Mr Owusu-Yeboa was opening a five-day 30th Annual Volta Region Schools and Colleges Sports Festival at Anloga in the Keta District.

Participants from Upper-North, North, Lower-North, Central, Mid-South and South zones would take part in volleyball, basketball, football, athletics, cross country and table tennis disciplines during the Inter-Zonal festival.

He said government was aware of the health, financial and other social benefits that would be derived from sports, notwithstanding the difficult times, it is laying the structures and creating the congenial atmosphere for the promotion of sports.

The Regional Minister also announced that the region would host this year's National Schools and Colleges Sports competition, slated for Ho from August 29 through to September 6, this year.

Mr Owusu-Yeboa said for government's proof and commitment towards the development of the sports, approval had been given to Schools and Colleges to collect an acceptable levies to supplement government efforts.

He urged the District Assemblies in the region to give greater attention to the promotion, growth and development of sports in their areas.

Mr Emmanuel Vorkeh, Keta District Chief Executive, reminded the sportsmen and women to display good sportsmanship and work hard to break existing records.

He told them that huge financial fortunes awaited them when they become professionals but said "these may elude you when you are indiscipline".

Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Directorate of Education has presented a cash of two million cedis, a deep freezer and a certificate to Togbe Kpah II, a former Schools Sports Development Officer, for his meritorious commitment and contribution to the promotion and development of sports in the region, for the past 24 years.