Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti, a major mining company has presented a cheque of two million US dollars to the Ministry of Youth and Sports towards the development and construction of multi- purpose sports courts throughout the country.

Mr Keith Faulkner, Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti who presented the cheque to the Minister of Youth and Sports Mr Rashid Pelpuo on Friday said the gesture of the company forms part of their corporate social responsibilities to assist develop sports at the community level. He said the amount which is meant for the development of 20 sports centres in various parts of the country has been spanned over five years as their support to Government through the Ministry towards the development of sports in the country.

Mr Faulkner said the principle of the company is to undertake social investment initiatives in education, health care, water and other developmental needs of communities as well as in the area of promotion of especially soccer. The courts would be for such games as basketball, handball, tennis and boxing and other lesser-known sporting events in the communities across the country.

Mr Pelpuo said the presentation of the cheque was timely and line with the Ministry's goal of developing lesser known sports throughout the country and urged other corporate bodies to come in partnership with the Ministry to make the sports development plan succeed. He said the country abounds with a vibrant youth who desirous to utilize their talents and it is for this reason that the Ministry welcomes support from all bodies especially the private sector to help the sports development agenda.

The Minister encouraged the youth and the various communities to ensure that they plan strategies to benefit from the various programmes been initiated by the Ministry to develop the talents of the youth especially at the grassroots level.

Mr Worlanyo Agrah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council said the construction of the sports courts are to ensure that sportsmen and women have ideal and conducive structures and facilities to train and be in form to competitions. He said under the programme, the first four courts would be constructed at Wa in the Upper West Region, Bolgatanga, Upper East Regional capital, Obuasi in Ashanti Region and Ho, the Volta regional capital in the first year.