Stanbic pumps C2100,000 into 10th SESSA Games

Accra, Oct. 5, GNA - Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited has pumped GH=A2100, 000 (One billion cedis) towards the successful organisation of the tenth edition of the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) Games.

This makes the financial institution the headline sponsors of the October 19-26 event.

Mr Alhassan Andani, Managing Director of Stanbic Ghana announced the package during the official launch of the major event on the sporting calendar of the security services at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra on Friday.

He said the sponsorship further confirms his outfit's commitment to the development of sports in the country.

The South Africa headquartered financial institution is a major sponsor of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and thus Mr Andani believes sponsoring an event like the SESSA games, which produces talents for the various national teams is in the right direction.

Mr William Ofori Boafo, Deputy Minister of Defence who launched the event outlined three main areas government has identified in its quest to soar the quality of the Games.

"These includes making the games a biennial affair with effect from this edition, establishing a permanent secretariat for the association and rehabilitating the venues to international standard in relation to technological advancements."

Mr Boafo emphasised government's commitment towards the Games, which has served as a reservoir of talents for national teams. Lieutenant General Joseph Boakye Danquah, Chairman of the Security Services Sports Council (SESSCO) appealed to corporate Ghana to support the Games, which has the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports as the major financiers.

The Chairman of the Council who is the Chief of Defence Staff promised an exciting competition in the event, which is expected to serve as a prelude to the hosting of the next year's Africa Cup of Nations by Ghana.

The official launch was preceded by a flag hoisting ceremony in front of the El-Wak Stadium, the main venue for the Games under the supervision of the Deputy Minister. The event dubbed, "Golden Jubilee Games" has the Ghana Armed Forces as the hosts, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) participating. Participants would engage in athletics, soccer, basketball, handball, volleyball, tug-of-war, table tennis, boxing and hockey.