Accra, May 20, GNA - Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Education and Sports has challenged the newly reconstituted 27 associations of the National Sports Council (NSC) to be innovative and business-oriented to propel them into achieving the desired results.

The Minister underscored the need for them to put in place proper planning strategies coupled with focused approach and well orchestrated programmes to achieve the desired results.

Mr Osafo-Maafo who was inaugurating the associations, said the Ministry has also embarked on strategic approaches towards resource mobilization, which would be fully functionable under the upcoming Sports Act.

Monies accrued from the Sports Trust Fund according to the Minister, would be used for the provision of infrastructure, scholarship for athletes and remuneration for technical personnel. This, the Minister said would provide the desired financial support for the development, promotion and administration of sports in the country.

He cautioned the associations that, "as much as the Ministry will offer all the support to promote the activities of the associations, you must adhere strictly to lay down financial regulations with regards to the procurement act".

The NSC in March this year dissolved the associations and appointed a three-member Interim Management Committee each to oversee the affairs until their reconstitution. 20 May 05