The Rector of Koforidua Polytechnic, Dr George Afrane has expressed concern of the inability of the country to position itself properly to exploit the great economic fortunes in sports
He noted the socio-economic gains of sports that has turned the fortunes of individuals, corporate bodies and nations but the ever shrinking budgetary allocation for sports in educational institutions has been very deplorable.
He said physical education for the youth has been relegated to the background in tertiary educational policy at a time students in tertiary educational institutions are becoming younger on admission and prone to the temptations of life.
Dr Afrane who said this at the formal opening of the 21st Ghana Polytechnics Sports Association Games at Koforidua on Monday noted that the promotion of interest of the youth in sports could help turn them away from some anti-social behaviours such as drug abuse, occultism and sexual promiscuity.
About 1,600 sports men and women from all the ten polytechnics across the country are participating in the one week games being hosted by the Koforidua Polytechnic.
Mr Kwadwo Afram-Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister said statistics from the hospitals in the country indicate that, heart related diseases, including hypertension are on the ascendancy due to lack of physical exercise by most of the citizens.
He observed that acquisition of knowledge alone through education does not help develop the needed human capital without good health which also requires that one undertakes regular physical exercises.
The Chairman of the GHAPSA Technical Committee, Mr Ebenezer Ackomu Mensah said the primary aim of the association was to create a forum through sports for social, cultural and intellectual interaction of the youth to promote a spirit of friendship and unity among the students.
He urged the participants to brace up for the challenge and strive to excel in their various sporting disciplines.
Daasebre (Dr.) Oti Boateng, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area who chaired the function, called on the youth to take sports serious because it was a exercise that could make them icons of society and their country.
In the opening football match, Sunyani Polytechnic beat Koforidua Polytechnic one nil.
In the 1500 metres race for men, Abdul Latif of Kumasi Polytechnic took the first position in a time of 4:12.7 secs, followed by Robert Eshun of Koforidua Polytechnic with a time of 4:14.2 secs and Wahab Ziniru of Takoradi Polytechnic placing third with a time of 4:21.2 secs.
In the women's 1500meters race, Joyce Quaydo of Sunyani Polytechnic emerged winner in a time of 5:43.9 secs, she was followed at second position by Millicent Adamptey of Koforidua Polytechnic in a time of 5:57.9 secs with Nyarbah Mary from Bolgatanga Polytechnic taking the third position with a time of 5:59.5 secs.