Addressing a press briefing Monday after the GOA in collaboration with Golden Star Resources held a 3-day basketball clinic for talented basketball players selected from across the country, Mr Owinje said more children will be open to playing the popular sport if spaces were provided for them.

According to him, basketball is an important tool which can be used to teach children discipline and also open doors to academic scholarships.

"Basketball is a sport that attracts people and when it attracts kids that young. If they curious about the game and want to know what it is, all we have to do is encourage them.

"My message to young Ghanaian basketball players is to dream big and use the sport as a tool and not to let basketball use them. You know what I mean, use it as a tool to do whatever you want to do in life because basketball can open doors for you".

The residential clinic which hosted 54 boys was held between Friday, October 12 and Sunday, October 14 at a new recreational facility constructed by Golden Star Resources which includes two multipurpose basketball courts at Prestea in the Western Region.

The Group Corporate Affairs Manager of Golden Star Resources, Gerard Boakye said the decision to construct the recreational centre on a five-acre land which used to be a refuse tip forms part of the community engagement and youth development programs of the company.

“We hope that this will continue every year and eyes will begin to be on Prestea because these basketball two courts are professionally constructed," Mr Boakye said.

“Hopefully in the future, some basketball tournaments can be played here and training camps can be held ahead of competitions as well.”

He said the company has in place a maintenance plan which has received the blessing of the traditional authorities to ensure that the facility lasts for years.