Ghana's performance at games, a sign of good things to come

Accra, Oct 22, GNA - Mr Rashid Bawa, Minister of States in charge of Education, Youth and Sports has said Ghana's performance at the just ended 8th All African Games in Abuja, Nigeria, marks the renaissance of the country's sports to future glory.

He said Ghana's medal haul of 23, the best since 1973, is an improvement over the previous appearances in the last 20 years saying: "this marks an end to a period of dismal performances and opens a new chapter for glory".

He told the GNA Sports in Accra that Ghana will ride on the new spirit discovered at Abuja where Ghana participated in only 11 disciplines out of 23, to reassert herself as a force to reckon with on the continent and the world at large.

The minister said his outfit is in talks with the Nigerian Sports and Social Development Ministry to re-launch the Ghana-Nigeria Friendly Games, as a first step towards developing local talents to an appreciable level for future tournaments.

He said Nigeria's world-class facilities constructed purposely for the games, will help in this reunion as athletes from the two countries stand to benefit from the new complex.

Mr Bawa said Ghana has taken a cue and would concentrate on developing her current infrastructure.

He said plans are afoot for the government to build at least two international sports complex with modern facilities to serve as the basis for resurrecting the country's sports from the doldrums. Mr Bawa who was Ghana's leader of delegation at the games said experiences at the competition was an eye-opener saying; "I strongly believe the need to build from there must remain the prime concern of all", he told GNA Sports.

He commended the athletes especially the national Olympic soccer team, the Black Meteors, for qualifying to the medal zone and new records set by Margaret Simpson, Ignatius Gaisah are enough evidence that "we now have the foundation to build on".

Mr Bawa praised the entire contingent for their dedication, loyalty and commitment to the nation's course.