Kumasi, April 25, GNA - Professor Francis "Padigo" Dodoo, Director of the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) of the University of Ghana has been elected Chairman of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA).

The election was conducted at the maiden National Delegates' Congress of the Association in Kumasi on Saturday with the election of officers to steer its affairs for the next four years.

Prof. Dodoo polled 15 votes out of the total 17 ballots cast to win the chairmanship position after he beat his only contestant, Mr Mahama Abdul-Rahman, who polled two votes.

Other officers elected were Dr Silvanus Lamptey, Vice-Chairman, Mr Mensah Amepofio, National Organising Secretary and Mr Richard Agyapong, Treasurer.

This is the first time the GAA has gone to Congress to elect its officers in agreement with the International Athletics Association Federation's (IAAF) rules and regulations.

The Association formerly had its Chairman and other officers appointed by the National Sports Council (NSC), a situation which the IAAF deems to be government interference.

Prof. Dodoo, a former national athlete, was earlier on last year appointed by the NSC but the IAAF nullified his appointment and insisted that the GAA should go to Congress to elect its officers. Mr James Owusu, a retired educationist who chaired the Congress, urged the newly-elected officers to be committed to duty to benefit athletics in the country.

Prof. Dodoo promised that the new executive would explore avenues to develop athletics at all levels in the country. 25 April 10