Minister regrets absence of P. E.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah, has regretted the absence of Physical Education (P. E.) on the timetable of most schools in the region.

He has therefore directed the Regional Director of Education and the Regional Head of the P.E. Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure that P. E. is taught in all schools in the region in conformity with the GES policy.

Dr Osafo-Mensah gave the directive in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of a six-day Seventh Annual Eastern Region Second Cycle Super Zonal Sports Competition at Akropong-Akuapem last Monday.

He explained that if P.E. was not taught in schools, talents could not have been identified for subsequent grooming for national development in sports.

Dr Osafo-Mensah called on private business groups and individuals to support sports in schools through the provision of facilities and equipment.

He advised the students to avoid the use of drugs to enhance their performance since that could destroy them and urged the games officials to be fair to all.

In all, over 1,000 athletes from second cycle schools in the Eastern Region grouped into seven zones are taking part in the six days competition.

In the opening soccer match, Somanya Zone drew goalless with the Akuapem Zone.

In other matches played earlier, Oda Zone beat Kibi Zone 1-0 and Asamankese Zone lost 0-2 to Koforidua Zone.

In volleyball boys division, Koforidua Zone beat Akuapem Zone 2-0, Kwahu Zone beat Asamankese Zone 2-0 and Oda Zone lost 1-2 to Kibi Zone.

In the girls division, Somanya Zone lost 0-2 to Oda Zone; Koforidua Zone beat Asamankese Zone 2-0, Kwahu Zone beat Akuapem Zone 2-1 while Asamankese Zone lost 0-2 to Kibi Zone.