Accra, April 2, GNA - The Ministry of Youth and Sports has concluded agreement with mining giant, Anglo Gold Ghana Limited for a sponsorship package of two million dollars towards the construction of 20 multi-purpose sports courts in selected districts across the country. Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Youth and Sports disclosed this during the opening ceremony of a three day Under-15 soccer competition organised by Red Bull Soccer Academy.

The Minister said Anglo Gold Ghana has requested for a list of contractors from the ministry and this has been completed, adding that the project is expected to take off soon. She said the projects, when completed will provide the opportunity to especially the youth in deprived areas and communities where sporting talents abounds to develop their talents. Ms Sena Dansua said the projects will also enable the nation to unearth more sporting talents in the various disciplines for the various national teams.

She said the ministry has also started work on a new National Sports Policy to address challenges associated with sports development, especially the lesser known sports.

Ms Sena Dansua said the ministry has also drafted a new Sports Bill to replace the outmoded Supreme Military Council (SMC) 54 which presently regulates sports.

She said the new Sports Bill will set out basic national sports policy objective, provide enabling environment for sports to function and to be in accordance with international standards and to assign responsibility to Districts and Regions and local institutions, in the development of sports. The Minister said it will also provide adequate incentives for sponsorship packages by companies and individuals.