Ernest Ohene-Kissiedu
24 October 2007
The President, John Agyekum Kufuor has urged sportsmen and women of the security services to foster and promote unity within the Forces to engender national security, progress and development.
Sports, he said, has brought about closer relationships between people, organisations and various religious settings and therefore cannot be underestimated.
Addressing security officers at the opening ceremony of the 10th Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) games at the EL-Wak stadium in Accra, he said the security services have played a vital role in helping the country to be highly recognized in various disciplines at the international level. "The Forces have been very crucial in the development of sports in this country", he said.
President Kufuor said the security services provide about 90 percent of the sportsmen and women of various national teams including hockey, handball, basketball and volleyball teams.
Given the discipline inherent in the training of athletes, President Kufuor acknowledged the security services as having experienced sportsmen who can be trained to become good instructors, to play a key role in facilitating the introduction of various sporting disciplines in schools in the country.
This, he said, would further the government's aim of pursuing the concept of development of all-rounded youth with sound minds in good bodies through different sports.
He said the SESSA games can be a potential source for the recruitment and training of sports instructors. It would also provide equal opportunities for the youth in the country to be exposed to different sporting disciplines.
Commenting on the 2008 African Cup of Nations, President Kufuor cited soccer as a passionate game in the country and said it is a great opportunity for Ghanaians to showcase 'our national strengths'.
He urged all officers to adopt good and healthy lifestyles to prevent various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which are becoming more prevalent in the society. He advised them to involve themselves in various sporting activities, exercising the body and keeping to healthy dietary habits.
He congratulated the organizers of the games and commended the Ghana Armed Forces for hosting the games this year.
"The government is committed to maintaining these games and would continue to support their organization", he concluded.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. Gen Joseph Boateng Danquah, who is the Chairman of the planning committee, thanked Stanbic Bank for the immense contribution in sponsoring the games.
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