The Ministry of Education says it will strengthen school sports through improved infrastructure, better training for teachers and coaches, and clearer pathways for talented young athletes to progress from school competitions to continental and international levels.
Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak said the interventions are intended to make schools a stronger foundation for identifying and developing Ghana’s next generation of sporting talent.
He made the commitment at the opening of the 35th Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival in the Greater Accra Region, which has brought together young athletes from all 16 regions.
Dr. Apaak, who is also the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, said Ghana’s schools have historically played an important role in identifying sporting talent and must be adequately supported to continue doing so.
He said some of the country’s greatest sports personalities began their journeys on school playing fields, adding that participants in the current competition could include future Olympians, African champions, Commonwealth medallists and world-class athletes.
The Deputy Minister said the government’s approach would not focus solely on identifying talented athletes but also on creating opportunities for them to develop and progress to higher levels of competition.
He said attention would be given to improving sporting infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of teachers and coaches and establishing clearer pathways through which promising athletes can advance.
Dr. Apaak also stressed the need to provide equal opportunities for boys and girls across the country to participate in sports and have their talents identified and developed.
Beyond producing elite athletes, he said school sports should be recognised for its role in the broader development of children.
“Sports have always been far more than competition. They are a powerful tool for education, character formation and national development,” he said.
According to Dr. Apaak, participation in sports can help children develop discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, respect and perseverance.
He said the Ministry’s approach to education is to develop the “whole child” academically, physically, socially, morally and emotionally, making physical education and sports an important part of the education system.
The 35th Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival is being held under the theme, “35 Years of Sporting Excellence: Shaping Disciplined Leaders, Inspiring National Unity and Building Future Champions.”
Dr. Apaak urged participating athletes to see the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate character and build friendships with young people from other parts of the country, rather than focusing solely on winning medals.
“Win with humility. Lose with dignity. Respect every official. Support one another. Above all, uphold the good name of your schools and regions,” he said.
He also commended teachers, coaches, team managers, technical officials, volunteers and the Ghana Education Service for their contribution to developing young athletes.
Dr. Apaak expressed appreciation to sponsors and development partners supporting school sports, saying their investments contribute to the development of healthier and more confident young people.
He called for renewed national commitment to strengthening school sports as both a talent development system and an important part of education before declaring the 35th Inter-Regional Basic Schools Sports Festival officially opened.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
