By Rashidatu IBRAHIM
A Cabinet memo for converting the Borteyman Sports Complex into a University for Sports Development has been prepared and is on its way to Cabinet for approval, Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports has said.
Once approved by Cabinet, the minister will seek parliament’s approval for the university’s establishment.
“As was announced before construction of the Borteyman facilities and commencement of the Games, government intends to convert the Borteyman Sports Complex into a University Sports for Development for these ultra-modern facilities’ long-term sustainability,” he said.
” In this regard, a Cabinet memo has been prepared and is on its way to Cabinet for approval. Once it is approved, Mr. Speaker, I will return to the House for approval of the new University for Sports Development,” the minister said in his statement delivered to parliament post the African Games Accra 2023.
In the meantime, however, Mr. Ussif noted the Borteyman Sports Complex is currently being managed by the National Sports Authority under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
To ensure the facilities’ sustainability, he indicated that a local technical team has been trained on operationalisation of the equipment installed to enable them operate and maintain the facilities.
Outlining further measures by the sports ministry for maintaining the ultra-modern sports facilities facilities used for the African Games, Mr. Ussif told the House that government invested large sums of money to boost Ghana’s sports infrastructure by building multi-purpose sports facilities at the University of Ghana campus, as well as the Borteyman Sports Complex in Borteyman for the games.
The facilities included the University of Ghana stadium’s completion, standard athletics warm-up tracks and a rugby stadium – all at the University of Ghana, while a number of standard facilities including a swimming pool and it’s warm-up pool as well as multi-purpose domes were also constructed in Borteyman.
With the huge investment put into these facilities, the sports minister posited that the move has positioned Ghana as a destination of choice for international events – further highlighting the benefits of being able to host the games.
“The facilities at Borteyman, especially the Aquatic Centre, are one of a kind in the whole of Africa. This has positioned Ghana as a preferred destination to host and organise international competitions and tournaments.
“We have already received requests from international sports bodies seeking to host international sports events in Ghana. For example, the Commonwealth has been in contact wanting Ghana to host the Commonwealth Youth Games. Recently, an international athletics championshil was held in Ghana. And thanks to our excellent facilities, Ghana has just won its bid to host the 2026 African Athletics Championships.
“These are the legacies of hosting the African Games. The benefits are enormous, and it has propelled our country high among leading African countries with the best sports infrastructure,” he stated.
On the local front, however, he indicated the ministry intends to institutionalise national games competitions to make use of these sports facilities, develop sports talents and make Ghana a hub for sports development on the continent.
The minister therefore called on various federations to be active and organise regular competitions at the facilities.
