The Presidential team on the COVID 19 met key stakeholders in sports in the country at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, 21st May, 2020 to discuss issues bothering on the possibility of re-opening sporting activities in Ghana. The team led by prof. A. Asamoa Baah and Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, solicited ideas, suggestions and steps being taken by the leadership of the sporting fraternity in order to ensure a safe environment for all, when the restrictions placed on sporting activities are eased or lifted.
The Director General of the National Sports Authority Prof. Peter Twumasi, who represented the Minister for Youth and Sports, set the tone for the discussion by highlighting key areas captured in a document on proposed protocol measures that could be implemented in all the state owned sporting facilities in order to ensure safety for all. He also touched on the cost implications with regards to the proposal. Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah led some some association heads to present a proposal which is advocating for the easing of restrictions on sporting activities, in order to allow athletes and coaches to resume their training schedules. Their concerns were that training sessions are devoid of crowding and can be done whiles observing all the protocols needed to stay safe from the COVID 19 pandemic. The president of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Okraku led his team to present a proposal on football, which he indicated their preparedness to play the game behind closed doors in the interim till the COViD 19 situation normalise. Dr. Adams Baba of the FA’s medical outfit also presented a proposal on health measures they intend to roll out when the restrictions are lifted.
In summary, the Presidential team on the COVID 19 pandemic had a fruitful discussion with the major stakeholders in sports in Ghana and promised to deliver their concerns and suggestions to the appropriate quarters.
- Public Relations Department, NSA