Sports Ministry to begin construction of youth centers

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah says his sector will in the coming days begin sod-cutting for the construction of some multipurpose youth resource centers across the 10 regions of Ghana.

The centers which will be constructed in partnership with the Ministry for Inner-city and Zongo Development, is to among other things create a venue for upcoming sports enthusiasts to acquire training and grooming.

Speaking at the recent, “Meet the Press” session held for his ministry, Mr. Asiamah said he was optimistic the initiative will help reduce social vices among the youth and foster good rapport.

According to him, the introduction of the “Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programme” by the National Youth Authority (NYA), will also help reduce unemployment and increase economic growth as all 3000 recruits will be gainfully employed by Ecobank Ghana after their three-month all-expense paid training.

“Our sector is not only about sports, we also have the youth to take care of and that is where the National Youth Authority comes in. They have also launched a skill training program in Kumasi too.

We all know that youth unemployment is not only a security threat but also a threat to our democracy and that is why we are going to add 9 additional resource centers to the already established ones. The old ones are also going to see some renovation.

When we have these centers across the country than we can organize more tournaments and they can be held anywhere. Can you imagine having the Black Queens in Bolgatanga or Wa, the people will love it, that is the whole idea.”

Touching on women’s football and the measures put in place as Ghana prepares to host this year’s Women’s AFCON, the sports minister said the selected venues have all been visited with a detailed report presented to his office.

“This year is for the women and we are happy about it. The federation has already gone to see the first lady and she has accepted to be the ambassador for women’s football in Ghana.

We have also visited every place a game will take place and the people working on that have presented a report to me. Our women are doing very well and we are supporting them.”