The United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs has organized a UN toolkit for sports development in Ghana.
The workshop sought to introduce countries to all modules with the aim of developing, implementing and reviewing policies on sports development.
Speaking at the two-day workshop on Tuesday, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Ussif acknowledged the support of the United Nations in facilitating the workshop and noted that Ghana was privileged to be the first country to receive training on the toolkit for sport development.
He underscored the importance of the workshop, adding that the Ministry has come to the realization that sports development and sport for development has the potential to create massive opportunities for the youth.
“We can therefore see how important it is for us to build the capacities of relevant stakeholders with the appropriate knowledge, skills and tools in designing, implementing and monitoring policies, programmes and activities that utilize sport for collective growth and comprehensive development,” he added.
He indicated that the privilege presents an opportunity for the nation to be pioneers in harnessing sport and leveraging it to accelerate national development agenda.
On his part, the UNFPA Country Representative in Ghana, Dr Wilfred Ochan acknowledged the effort of all stakeholders in coming up with the toolkit.
He said experts have identified sport development, peace policies and programmes; skills training, volunteerism, employability, mentorship, physical education, physical activity, integrity, human rights as some of the areas that need attention and must be addressed.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
