2022 CROSS COUNTRY WINNERS HONOURED AT THE JUBILEE HOUSE.

The winners of the 2022 National Cross Country that was held in Akim Oda, got honoured today, March 10, 2022 at the Jubilee House in Accra. The award ceremony which is first of its kind to be honoured at the presidency since its inception saw many stakeholders from the sporting fraternity present.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon.Mustapha Ussif, in his opening remarks acknowledged all dignitaries present and expressed his gratitude to the Vice President, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for hosting this year’s celebration at his office. He explained that, over the past decade the national cross country was losing it relevance but with the help of the current government it has been revived. He added that, as part of Ghana’s 65th independence celebration, the National Sports Authority (NSA) in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) seek to identify athletes that will possibly compete in the 2023 African games. He remain grateful for this opportunity that will push the agenda of H.E, Nana Akufo Addo.

The Board Chairman for the National Sports Authority, Mr. Seth Panwum, also in his opening remarks expressed his gratitude to the entire board and for the fruition of the event as this is the first time the cross country get to be honoured within the Presidency. He added that, as part of the president’s vision to expand sports in all dimensions, his vision has so far been demonstrated and commends him for this gesture. He further appealed for the brand to be accepted in sports in Ghana.

The Director General of NSA, Prof. Peter Twumasi as well in his remark, thanked Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the honour given and the opportunity to scout from the grass root athletes across the country. He stated that though the cross country was abandoned for some time now, per the Vice President new initiative, it has been revived. He further stated that, all the 47 federations are geared towards unleashing talents from across the nation and he is confident that, in the coming years, Ghana will have the honour to present more medals.
He further called the athletes with the help from H.E Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ,the Minister for Youth and Sports,the Board Chairman of NSA and some officials to assist in the medal and trophy presentation.

He indicated that athlete from all 16 regions participated. The following emerged winners for the 10km Male category from 1st to 3rd respectively, Amponsah William (Central Reg.), Koogo Atia (North East), and Aziz Mohammed (Central Reg.) Each winner received accordingly Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal, cash prizes from the presidency and a book by Prof.Twumasi.
The female category from 1st – 3rd respectively, Lariba Julian (Upper East), Sherifa Moro (Ashanti reg.), and Titi Roselyn (Upper West) also received Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal, cash prizes from the presidency and a book by Prof.Twumasi.
The trophies were awarded to the best male team from the central region and the female best team from the uppers west.

According to H.E. the Vice President, Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, in his keynote address, he stated that the National Cross Country has been abandoned for close to a decade, and was revived in 2017. He explained that sports has been underrated and the focus has only been on football but sports goes beyond that. He stressed that, sports within the globe create jobs across the different sporting disciplines, therefore urge all to invest more into sports of which the benefit will be visible enough for all to see.

He emphasized that, athletes and coaches need to train more for desired results to be met whiles he commend them on their contribution to the games all these years. He mentioned, Ghana has a large population to make selections from to compete in the next African games, and this cross country will equally aid in that.

He highlighted on the fact that, this is the very first time an award ceremony from the cross country is being held in the Jubilee House which indicate the seriousness Ghana has attached to sports. He remain hopeful that Ghana will be winning more medals in future competitions.

Other dignitaries present were, the LOC chairman ,Dr. Ofosu Asare, Okwapemanhene-Sarkodie,the Dep.Director General(Admi),NSA,Mr.Majeed Bawa, Dep.Director(Technical)NSA,Mr.kwame Amponfi Jnr, Chief Accountant,NSA,Alhaji Salisu, the 1st vice of the Ghana Athletes Association, Upper East Regional Director, and other Regional Directors across the country.

Story by: Marvelina Ayi-Bonte
NSA/PR

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