Accra, Oct. 26, GNA - The 11th edition of the Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) Games has been officially opened at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra on Monday.

The biennial games which ends on Friday, October 30 has the nation's Security Services made up of the host, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Customs, Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS), Ghana National Fire Services (GNFS) and the Ghana Prisons Services. The five day event aimed primarily at promoting friendship and solidarity among the security services is being organised under the theme "Consolidating Security through sports." The event is also expected to unearth and nurture young sports men and women for national assignments will see the participants from the six security services vying for honours is disciplines such as Athletics, Soccer, Basketball, Handball, Hockey, Table Tennis, Tug of war and Volleyball.

As a novelty, Lawn Tennis has been introduced this year but on a non-scoring basis. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Joseph Henry Smith, Minister of Defence in his opening remarks said the SESSA Games has served as a reservoir of talent for the various national sports teams and charged the participants to exhibit sportsmanship.

Paul Tawiah Quaye, Inspector General of Police (IGP), who doubles as Chairman of the Security Services Sports Council (SESSCO) said the Games provides a platform for exchanging ideas and socialization among the security services.

The opening ceremony was characterised by a parade of the various participating teams and the lighting of the Games touch, which officially signifies the official kick-off of the event. Defending champions, Ghana Police Services are the hosts of the event which started in 1987.