Security Measures in place for race

Sunyani, (B/A), Feb. 23, GNA - Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth and successful organization of the National Cross Country Race Competition scheduled to take place on the February 27 in Sunyani, the regional capital of the Brong-Ahafo Region. Mr Edward E. Wilson, Brong-Ahafo Regional Sports Development Officer, disclosed this at a press briefing organized by the Regional Sports Council to throw more light on preparations so far made towards the hosting of the event.

He said 180 runners made up of 108 males and 72 females would participate in the competition. Mr Wilson explained that accommodation, feeding, transport, media,, medical, security and designation of routes subcommittees have been set up to ensure the success of the event. He added that the head of the Motor Traffic and Transport Union (MTTU) of the Police Service has assured the organizers of its commitment to the success of the event.

The Development Officer said that a medical team comprising two doctors and three nurses would be with the teams to handle emergency situations with the Saint John's Ambulance Brigade, the Ghana Red Cross Society and the Regional Ambulance crew would all assist the medical personnel. Mr Wilson said adequate arrangements have also been made to secure accommodation for officials as well as the various teams. He said representatives of the Regions, the six security services, the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) and Ghana Polytechnic Sports Association (GHASPA) would present 10 member teams. Mr Kofi Duodu, Regional Sports Development Secretary, said the race would commence with the female athletes at 6am at the starting point at the Coronation Park.

They would cover a distance of eight kilometres through the VRA traffic light, through the Nana Bosoma Market to Chiraa road then to the Odumase road to the Fiapre round about to the Residency to COCOBOD round about then to the Sam Bennett Stores and to the finishing point at the Coronation Park. The men would on the other hand cover a distance of 12 kilometres starting from the Coronation Park through the VRA traffic light to Nana Bosoma Market to the Chiraa road then to the Odumase road to the Fiapre roundabout to the new cemetery road to the Public Works Department to the Cocobod roundabout to the Sam Bennett Stores and finally end at the Coronation Park.

Mr Duodo advised the public, especially motorists to co-operate with the athletes and organizers along the designated routes to make it incident-free. Certificates of merit will be presented to deserving participants, he added. 23 Feb. 10