The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) is rolling out a programme to encourage competitive and recreational sports to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle diseases among residents.

The programme involves the creation and repair of public parks, walkways along roads, rehabilitation and upgrading of community recreational spaces and coordinated sports programmes.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, said apart from unearthing the sports potentials of the residents, it would also help the Assembly's fight against lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

He said diabetes and hypertension were on the rise in the Metropolis partly because of the low exercise regime of residents.

According to him, apart from nutrition and medication, regular exercises could reduce the incidence of obesity, which he said, was the cause of many diseases and medical problems.

He said local schools would be helped to make Physical Education a mainstream subject.

According to him, children who were nurtured to appreciate exercises did not abandon on becoming adults.

The MCE said the Assembly had acquired pavement block making machines to be manned by local artisans for the construction and repair of paved spaces.