Accra, Oct. 10, GNA - The Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Papa Owusu-Ankomah has stressed the need for a bilateral sports exchange programme between Ghana and Burkina Faso and other African countries to bring together the youth and also develop sports in the sub-region.

He has therefore invited all African nations, especially the neighbouring countries to join Ghana to use the Ghana 2008 competition to unify Africans as one people with a common destiny as Ghana marks her 50th Independence anniversary.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said this at the opening of a bilateral conference of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and their counterparts from Burkina Faso aimed at strengthening ties between the two groups.

The Minister said sports plays a major tool for achieving part of the Millennium Development Goals and as such the conference should offer the opportunity for the participants to discuss the extent to which sports journalism can be used to prevent conflicts, promote social integration, foster tolerance, advocate healthy life styles, create international friendship, peace and communicate positive values in the society.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said sports can be used to unite and heal wounds, hence the need for sports journalists to acquire the requisite knowledge to always be abreast with modern trends of their profession to help enlighten the society about sporting events devoid of conflicts and confusion.

Mr Ebo Quansah, President of SWAG in a welcome address, said sports in Ghana is undergoing a major rehabilitation both in infrastructure and promotion after years of decay with the Black Stars finally making its maiden appearance at the World Cup after series of failed attempts in the past 45 years.

He said it is the hope of SWAG the performance of the Stars at the World Cup will lead to a major transformation in the way sport is administered in Ghana and the whole of Africa. Mr Quansah said 93As we prepare for Ghana 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, let us do so with the realisation that the whole world is watching Africa. Our ability to put up a good show in terms of organisation and performance on the field will let the world know that Africa as a continent does not only adds up to the numbers at international events=94.

The President said SWAG believes that a lot can be done to improve relationship Ghana- Burkina and suggested the institution of annual friendship games to prepare the sportsmen and women of both countries for major international contests.

Mr Quansah added that SWAG is also looking into the possibilities of inviting the Burkina Sporting press to the annual SWAG Award ceremonies and that a lot can be achieved by the two countries in the African Sports Journalists Union and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Mr Joachim Nikiema, Director of Communication of the Burkina Faso Ministry of Sports and leader of the delegation stressed the need for forming a unified body to develop and promote sports in the sub-region. He called for the revival of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) and the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) to make sportsmen and women in the sub-region play their expected roles in sports. Mr Joe Aggrey, former Deputy Minister of Sports who chaired the function called on sports journalists to be professional in their delivery and presentations to bring about development of sports. He advised sports journalists to offer constructive criticisms and be knowledgeable about events and topics they handle and present to the public. 10 Oct. 06