Ghana must shine at world sporting events - Bawumia

Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said Ghana’s presence must be felt at International games to show our solidarity to the growth and development of global sports. Ghana cannot continue to participate in international games for participation sake.

According to the Vice President, Ghana's presence can be felt only, if we put in place pragmatic talent development pathway policy and programmes that are consistent with global best practices and talent identification and development.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s Fastest Human at the Accra Sports Stadium Friday, March 15, 2019, the Vice-President said His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo welcomes this project which aims at restoring Ghana’s image in the world of athletics.

The Vice was hopeful the event will find the talents who will re-establish Ghana respectfully place among the committee of sporting Nations.

“We recall the days when the Olympic Games sprint finals line-up will not be complete without a Ghanaian among the eight fastest humans on earth.

Ghanaians have anatomical, physiological and motor qualities that are similar to the Jamaicans. There is no reason, therefore, why, if we do the right thing Ghanaians cannot do equally good or even better than the Jamaicans in the sprint events in athletics. We recall in 1966 at the Commonwealth Games 4*100 yards Ghana won Gold, beaten Jamaica and the UK in that event. Ghana can even do better when we establish high-performance training centres for sprint and jumping in athletics”.

He emphasized that, in this modern era where at the international games victors mount on the stage, national anthems are played athletics compete in their national colours we have to make an impact.

He congratulated the sponsors, GNPC Indomie, among others for realizing the power of sports as a tool to provide jobs, empower women, improve health, foster peace and unity.