Takoradi, Jan.2, GNA - Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive on Sunday said Government was determined to develop boxing and other lesser - known sports in the country. He said in this connection, government would assist towards the provision of training facilities for boxing and the other sporting disciplines.

Mr Nkrumah said this at the inauguration of 'Go Man Go' Boxing Club and West-Bay boxing clubs in Takoradi.

He said that, " Government would therefore spare no effort to rejuvenate boxing in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and other parts of the country".

Mr Nkrumah said boxing used to be the most popular sport after football in the Metropolis but its popularity has waned in recent times due to several factors.

He said Sekondi-Takoradi that nurtured the likes of Eddie Blay who won a medal for Ghana in the Commonwealth Games, has since not been able to produce any more good boxers over the years.

Mr Nkrumah asked the management of the two boxing clubs to help reverse the situation by rekindling and sustaining interest in boxing especially among the youth.

He also urged the public to support the clubs to produce good boxers for the nation.

Mr James Kainyiah, Chairman of the Western Regional Boxing Promotion Committee, announced that a Western and Central Regional Amateur Boxing League would be launched by March this year. He said meanwhile a company has agreed to sponsor the league. Mr Kainyiah said boxing clubs would be formed in the two regions and coaches are to be selected to undergo an intensive two - week course to enable them train boxers efficiently. Mr Twentoh Walker, Chairman of Central Regional Boxing Promotion Committee said the league would be screened on Skyy Television to create public interest in the sport.

There were exhibition bouts by juvenile and female boxers from Sekondi-Takoradi, Cape Coast and Accra.