Accra, May 24, GNA - Paragliding training in Ghana will start in July this year, following the success of the first ever Hang-Paragliding festival held in Ghana in March, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City has said. Speaking at an evening to honour sponsors of the hang-paragliding festival, Mr Asamoah Boateng said a couple of sites would be selected to serve as training grounds for paragliding in the country.

He said trainees would require an average of 15 days training to be able to fly independently, adding that those who train on weekends would do about seven weeks.

He said the Ministry had planned to host an international hang and paragliding festival in 2007 as part of activities to celebrate Ghana's 50th anniversary.

Mr Asamoah Boateng said the Odweanoma scarp in Kwahu, in the Eastern region would be developed into an integrated tourist site with a paragliding pitch.

The Ministry presented certificates to various organizations, which sponsored the event.

Mr Yaw Owusu Addo, Director of radio at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, who spoke on behalf of the sponsors, pledge their continuous support for the sport.