THE GHANA Athletics Association (GAA) has stepped up preparations ahead of the African Championship, slated for next month in Mauritius, reports Isaac Franklin.

GAA is set to storm Togo, with about 20 athletes, so as to get involved in a series of serious training sessions, before the Mauritius Championship tees off. "We are ready to leave for Togo, this weekend, with short-listed foreign and local-based athletes, who are capable of championing Ghana?s success at the Championship," Mr. Sandy Osei-Agyeman told Guide Sports yesterday.

However, he noted, "We?re just looking forward for the release of budgeted money, meant for our preparations."

Although the money is yet to be released, Mr. Osei-Agyeman is hopeful that it would be done soon, to enable the national athletes hone their rough edges. The Mauritius Championship tees off from August 9 to 13, 2006, and the National Sports Council (NSC) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure Ghana?s success in the African competition.