"Build structures towards Sports Bill" - Amoah

Accra, April 3, GNA - Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Osei Bonsu Amoah has encouraged the various sports associations to build their structures to fully profit from the Sports Bill. He said building the right structures remain the surest way of getting the needed support and funding to promote the respective sporting disciplines in the country. The Sports Bill which is currently with the Cabinet is due before Parliament in a few weeks time for study, amendment and its final passage.

Mr Amoah who said this at the on-going three-day National Sports Strategic Plan workshop in Accra, emphasised that under the Sports Bill, associations would be mandated to draw up their own constitution in conformity with their corresponding international bodies. The associations would also be equipped with the freedom of choosing their own leaders - a clear departure from the current system of imposing leaders on the outfits. He said "We are not interested in selecting leaders and imposing them on you. We desire to see you conducting your own leaders and kicking them out when they under-perform." Under the Sports Bill, the National Sports Council (NSC) would be converted into a National Sports Authority with enhanced powers. Mr Amoah said the said the time has come for the associations to conform to rules and regulations to receive governmental funding. "They will have to conform to the rules and regulations and also be accountable."

Mr. Amoah advised the associations to ensure that they form district and regional branches to have national presence.