<<Print>>

The National Sports Authority (NSA), on Tuesday inaugurated two new sports federations - Ghana Mixed-Martial Arts Association and Ghana Armed Wrestling Association.

This has increased the number of Ghana's Sports federations from 38 to 40.

This development seem to have raised eye brows, with people questioning the need for the new sports federations, when there are many under developed associations which needs support.

The president of Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has described the decision as a step in the right direction adding that there was nothing wrong with the formation of the two new bodies.

Speaking to GNA Sports, Mr Nunoo Mensah said "there is nothing wrong with forming association to oversee the sport that are being practiced in this country by our youth, what it means is that now we have a body that would coordinate the activities of that sporting discipline.

“We can’t say that if my talent is in Skating I should leave it and play football.

“We should allow every Ghanaian youth to express himself in a particular sports, he feels very comfortable with.

“Every sports that is done by our youth must be encouraged" Mr. Nunoo Mensah stated. 

Mr.  Nunoo Mensah believes the problem is how the sports budget would be used effectively.

“Where the problem is when we have to focus on spending our little budget on the national teams.

“That is where we would have to look at sporting disciplines to see whether the nation has a competitive advantage.  Sporting disciplines that would excel in international competitions must be encouraged so they can win medals for us.

“In determining which discipline would do well at the international level, we must also be cautious, since you may never know where that gold medal will be coming from, as tennis proved us all wrong at the last All Africa Games in Congo by winning gold medal for Ghana.

"Ghana over the years have had problems with funding sports federations. Government for the past five years have not supported these federations with any funding. 

“They thrive on the benevolence of those running it. We need to keep exploring and investing in these disciplines, till we are convinced some of them are viable whilst some are not and does not deserve funding anymore.

“Let’s encourage the growth of all federations and give equal opportunity to our youth, what we would say if Arm wrestling wins medal for Ghana tomorrow” Mr. Nunoo Mensah stated.