Accra, April 23, GNA -The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports will hold the key to the establishment of academies when the Sports Bill currently awaiting parliamentary approval is passed. When stakeholders converge on Thursday May 10 to fine-tune the Bill, issues relating to the setting up of Academies and Centres of Excellence will reign high on the agenda.

The Bill mandates the Ministry to be the sole authority to give seal to the establishment of residential training camps for kids, popularly known as "soccer academies."

As captured in the draft bill, the Ministry will okay operators after being reasonably satisfied that the applicants meet all requirements for the establishment.

"The ministry shall issue a licence upon being reasonably satisfied that the applicant has satisfied the requirements with regards to facilities, accommodation, staffing, maximum number of students and the provision of learning educational and technical programme." Other key factors to be considered are the health and safety of the students and "any matter the Minister deems fit to determine and ensure that a Sports Academy and or a Centre of Excellence is suitable for the training and development of students."

Operators who flout the terms shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport told GNA Sport that the stakeholders meeting would offer the final opportunity for interested persons to air their observations and make inputs.

He said that the Bill would be presented to Cabinet for a critical look before it is sent to Parliament for consideration and passage, when the National Assembly reconvenes next month. The Deputy Minister was convinced that the passage of the Bill would contribute positively to the growth of sports in Ghana. He is relishing the passage of the Bill before the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2008) to be hosted by Ghana early next year to enable the country to profit on merchandising before, during and after the biannual event.