By Ken Bediako
It is good news that our dear sports loving nation is going to have a Sports Development Fund. Indeed, it is long overdue.
As far back as 20 years ago there was already this talk about a Sports Trust Fund to boost sports development for the benefit of the past, current and future generations. In fact it was during the same period 20 years ago that a committee was set up to identify and honour our past sporting personalities. One of the committees, major recommendation was to set up a welfare scheme on a structured basis for retired sports performers. It was pointed out that most of the retired sportsmen and sportswomen now live in constant penury throughout the country. This was definitely bad advertisement for sports in the country.
The eight-member committee chaired by Dr. Owusu Ansah, the renowned sports administrator came out with some solid recommendations to stem the tide. Some of the recommendations were that some arrangements should quickly be reached with state institutions that have recreational facilities and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to accord the past performers the liberty of using these facilities for their leisure.
These can be further enhanced by serving of at least one meal to them.
Another recommendation was that the District Assemblies should assist the sportsmen and sportswomen in their localities to serve as an encouragement to the younger generation to participate in sports. They should be convinced that competitive sport is rewarding and representing the nation in sports competitions is not a sacrifice in vain.
A complete list of such people should be drawn according to place of residence to ensure transparency.
An annual awards night should be organised to honour the past sporting personalities.
Indeed since the inaugural awards night in 2004 at the plush Alisa Hotel in Accra, the programme hasn’t seen any light.
The plan to name sporting facilities after past sporting heroes also suffered a premature death after the first round naming ceremonies comprising top footballer Baba Yara, Boxng idol Azumah Nelson, table tennis addict D G.Hathiramani and Mrs Thedosia Okoh, the reputed “Joan of Arc of Ghana sports”.
The proposed annual national sports events to be named after some icons are yet to take off.
It had been proposed by the Committee that we have:
- Annual Mike Ahey national athletics championship
- Annual E A Quaye
National Table Tennis championship
- Roy Ankrah National amateur boxing championship.
Sports facilities, structures and personalities to be named after them.
- Accra Stadium, Ohene Djan
- Kumasi Stadium Baba Yara
- Accra Stadium Library, H.P Nyemitei.
- Accra Sports Hall, D.G.Hathiramani.
- Accra Sports Hall (South Stand, Ethel Jacks.
- Accra Sports Hall (North Stand), Ike Quartey Snr.
- Accra Stadium press centre Kofi Badu.
- Accra Stadium Clinic, Dr Nkansa Gyane.
- Accra Stadium Resurce Centre, D. K. Poison.
- Accra Siadium Centre Court, Frank Ofori.
- Upper Terrace, Richard Acquaye.
- Osu Stand, Roy Ankrah.
- Osu Gate, Alice Anum.
- South Stand, Chris Briandt.
- North Stand, May 9.
- Kumasi Staium West Terrace, C.K. Gyamfi.
- East Terrace, W.K. Mfum
20 North Stand, Christiana Boateng.
- South Stand, James Adjei.
- National Hockey pitch, Mrs Theidosia Okoh.
- VIP stand hockey pitch, Evans Anfom
24.Tamale Stadium, Ahlaji Aliu Mahama.
- Kaneshie Sports Complex, Azumah Nelson.
- Athletics Training Centre Kumasi, A O. Lawson.
- Cape Coast Stadium, Robert Mensah.
It is not too late to start all over again. Let’s get Parliamentary approval for the much awaited Sports Development Fund and the almost for gotten old super stars like Mike Ahey, Ohene Karikari “Rubberrman”, John Naawu, Kofi Pare, Osei Kofi and co will realise the nation hasn’t forsaken them.
Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.
