Life Patron titles conferred on President Bush

Accra, July 4, GNA - The Ghana Softball and Baseball Association (GHASBA) has conferred the title of Life Patrons to the President of the United States of America, George Walker Bush and two others for their support towards the development of baseball in the country. The other two recipients are Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama and the out-going U.S Ambassador to Ghana, Pamela Bridgewater. Rev. Albert Seth Ocran, Chairman of GHASBA told GNA Sports on Friday that his outfit was considered conferring the highest order on the three personalities in recognition of their support and assistance to the development of the "unpopular" and lesser known sport in Ghana. He explained that GHASBA's choice of President Bush was on the premise that baseball was the only sport he attended to and participated in during his visit to Ghana on his five-nation African tour last February.

The Chairman described the gesture as historic taking into consideration the unpopular state of baseball in the country and they deem it fit to offer such a recognition to him. Reverend Ocran also said Alhaji Mahama and Ms. Bridgewater have been the pioneer supporters of the development of baseball in the country over the past years.

The trio was presented with beautifully designed plaques each by the Association to confirm their honour.

GHASBA also presented a citation to Mr George Ntim, President of African Development Foundation (ADF) who initiated plans for the construction of the first ever baseball fields in the country. The facility, located at the University of Ghana Sports Complex is estimated to cost over 200,000 US dollars and will be ready after nine months.