NSC outlines anniversary programme

Accra, Feb 27, GNA - The National Sports Council (NSC) has outlined series of sporting activities to mark the Ghana at 50 Anniversary Celebrations.

The activities, which will commence early next month are expected to end in December.


Briefing the press on Tuesday, Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officerof the NSC said the programmes, which were designed in conjunction with the Chairmen and General Secretaries of the various Associations has allocation for all the sporting disciplines under the Council.


The programme includes lectures, awards nights, walks and competitions in the various sporting disciplines. Prominent on the list of the programme is the President's Cup, which is scheduled for July 1.


According to the NSC boss, they are yet to decided on the teams to vie for the trophy even though there are suggestions for a game between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kuamsi Asante Kotoko, the two most glamorous Clubs in the country.


Prince Oduro-Mensah noted that matches between the two sides must be properly arranged hence the Committee handling the Anniversary programme is still working around the clock to get the best participants for the competition.


Also in line is a soccer tournament dubbed "AU Chairman's Four Nation Soccer Tournament in Accra in November as well as a jubilee boxing bonanza with a Commonwealth title at stake with an international Amateur boxing contest between Ghana and the United States of America (USA).

Prince Oduro-Mensah disclosed that the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports would in April launch a television documentary on Ghana Sports at 50.


This is expected to highlight the major achievements of the nation in sports in the past 50 years to be followed by a Golden Jubilee Lecture in the same month.


There will also be activities such as a national jubilee cross country race, Ghana Independence Open Golf President Cup, Jubilee horse racing, volleyball and handball championships, international hockey championships, sports for the disabled, rugby, cycling, scrabble, cricket championship, international weightlifting championship and a National Sports Festival.


Prince Oduro-Mensah in an answer to a question about the total expenditure involved in the organisation of the programme said that they are expecting to spend at least 600,000 dollars.


He said the NSC would explore all avenues to generate the resources for the programme, adding that they are expecting funds from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, Ghana@50 Secretariat and the corporate bodies.


Prince Oduro-Mensah said the sports programme is aimed at giving the anniversary a sporting touch with concentration of heroes and heroines who have in diverse ways contributed in the development of sports in the country.