Sports Minister commends Ghana Cricket Association in funds raising
The Minister of Youth & Sports Hon. Mahama Ayariga has commended the Ghana Cricket Association for finding its own funds for its programmes and activities and not solely relying on the government for support.
Speaking at a funds raising dinner at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill on Monday, he noted that the Cricket Association has been organising very well and travelling outside for competition without asking for government backing, and they often return with honours.
The Sports Ministers urged the other Associations under the National Sports Authority to emulate the Cricket Association and try to be independent and find solutions, than always looking at the Ministry with a budget that can not cater for all the Associations.
The Ghana Cricket Association (GCA) will organized the Cocktail event at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill to solicit support to sustain and expand their programmes.
The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority, Patrons of the Association, Sponsors and both old and new members of the cricket fraternity in Ghana.
He urged the Cricket officials to continue promoting the sport in educational institutions.
Mr. William Ampofo President of the Ghana Cricket Association recounted the programmes of the GC A in the past year which have been in three key areas namely; the national teams, schools development and grassroots/community. He said through these programmes the Association has been able to introduce the game in six regions in Ghana - Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Brong Ahafo and Central.
He noted that new programmes have been included, such as introductory cricket coaching courses, mass events in educational institutions, community-based cricket initiatives and cricket administration programmes.
According to William Ampofo, these activities have generated national talent to represent Ghana in the World Cricket League (WCL) and Africa regional competitions.
The National Cricket team in November 2014 won the Golden Trophy at the Division 2 T20 Africa championship held in South Africa, and have been invited to play in bigger competitions to involve Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana and Nigeria.
Some companies like CAL Bank, Nestle and other personalities who have supported the Association were honoured with certificates, while others like Vodafon expressed their desire to support the sport.
Among the officials who graced the event were Mr. Kpenge Director General of the NSA, Akila Patel, Professor Francis Dodoo, Richard Akpokavie and Henry Ackom who advised the media to monitor the activities of the Ghana Cricket Association.
Some players of the national team were also present.
