Accra, March 13, GNA - The Ministry of Education and Sports has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana's long jumper, Ignatius Gaisah for winning gold at last Saturday's International Amateur Association's (IAAF) World Indoor Event in Moscow. The SWAG Sportsman of the year leapt 8:30 metres to scale over Irving Saladino of Panama and Italian Andrew Howe.

The message, signed by Mr. O. B. Amoah, a Deputy Minister of Education and Sports on Monday and copied to the GNA Sports said "you have made history by winning the men's long jump gold medal and thus, becoming the first Ghanaian to be ranked second in the IAAF long jump rankings." It said the athlete's remarkable achievement, dedication and discipline is worthy of emulation by the youth. Gaisah and heptathlete Margaret Simpson gave Ghana her first medal at the international meet when they won silver and bronze respectively at the Helsinki event late last year.

In a related development, the ministry also sent a goodwill message to the Ghanaian contingent at this year's 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. "On the eve of the Commonwealth Games, the Ministry on behalf of the people of Ghana sends you the best wishes", the message said. "As you compete and represent the nation in your respective disciplines, we trust that you will endeavour to win laurels for your dear country", it added.

The message urged the four-discipline team to use sports to project positively the name and image of Ghana. Ghana is competing in boxing, weightlifting, table tennis and track and field events. The Games will kick-start on Wednesday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and end on March 26.