Mr Edward Osei-Kwaku, Minister of Youth and Sports, on Wednesday told Parliament that the ministry was considering a sports financing legal framework in the form of a bill for the development of sports in the country.

"It is our considered opinion that when the bill is passed, the ministry and for that matter, the GFA will be able to access sufficient funds to run the Black Stars to enable them to qualify for the World Cup in 2006."

The Minister made the observation when he answered a question from Mr Samuel Johnfiah (NPP-Ahanta West), who wanted to know the steps the ministry was taking to ensure that the national football team, the Black Stars qualified to participate in the next round of the World Cup slated for 2006.

Mr Osei-Kwaku said the most critical problem facing the development and promotion of sports and particularly football in the country was lack of sponsorship, resulting in over-reliance on central government for all requirements.

He said that had created the situation where funds could not be made available for regular training and preparation of the teams, culminating in poor performance.

Mr Osei-Kwaku announced that Cabinet had given approval to the Ministry to bid to host the African Cup of Nations in 2008 and that Nigeria had also indicated its desire to invite Ghana and three other West African countries to join her to bid to host the World Cup in 2010.

He said those activities would psyche up the players and prepare them adequately to qualify for the World Cup in 2006.

Mr Osei-Kwaku said a screening process was in progress to find a coach that would "groom, nurse and nurture a dream team for the country.

"Apart from organising international training matches for them, the team will be used for the CAN 2004 in Tunisia, participate in the next Olympic Games in Athens in the same year and will also be used for the qualifier for the World Cup in Germany in the year 2006."

He said "the technical Directorate of the GFA will be provided the

necessary equipment and the encouragement to monitor the performance of Ghanaian players both at home and abroad."