The Paramount Chief of the Goaso Traditional Area in Ahafo region, Nana Akwasi Bosompra I, has lauded leadership of the National Sports Authority (NSA) for consciously paying attention to sports development in the newly created regions in Ghana.
His comments come after the Ahafo Regional Directorate of the NSA successfully organized its maiden Cross Country, a 12km event that was held at the Goaso Town Park on Saturday, January 15, 2022.
According to the paramount chief, the NSA led by its Director General, Prof Peter Twumasi has demonstrated in recent times, it will not sleep on the mandate assigned them and he’s excited with the commitment they have extended to the newly created regions including Ahafo in the area of sports development.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to Prof [Twumasi, NSA Boss], i want to have a conversation with him and show my appreciation because not all leaders who would have paid attention to the new regions and perform their duties well.” He said.
“Some stay in Accra, Kumasi and neglect the other regions thinking, the new regions don’t deserve the attention but our children have demonstrated today that, we [Ahafo] have the talent.
“I also want to thank all the dignitaries that graced the event and I pray for safe arrival for each and everyone”. He added.
The Paramount Chief in his closing remarks also encouraged the athletes in the Ahafo region to seriously train and prepare adequately in order to challenge for the ultimate title during the national cross country next month.
Both male and female athletes, from all the 6 districts grabbed the opportunity to compete in the 12km race with the aim of getting selected to represent Ahafo region at the forthcoming national cross country.
For the male category, Teye James finished first with a time of 37.55 but he wouldn’t have it easy as he was given a tough challenge by Atiah John, who came second with a time of 37.56.
Kankam Samuel also placed third with a time of 37.59.
In the women’s category, Zanties Hannah won the race with a time of 54.30 and she was followed by Salamatu Ayuba who clocked a time of 59.37, while Owusuah Francisca placed third with a time of 65.01.
All participants received certificates of participation while the top 6 athletes in both the male and female categories were given certificate of merit, medals, souvenirs from cowbell and MTN.
It must be noted that, the 2022 National Cross-Country event to be held at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region comes off in February, 2022 and as such, all the 16 regions are preparing earnestly to get the best athletes selected for their respective regions during the race next month.
P/Asamoah