Kumasi, July 5, GNA - This year's National Junior and Senior Athletics Championship ended at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi at the weekend with Ashanti Region emerging as the overall champions in the Boys' division.

The Ashanti Region team bagged six gold, five silver and three bronze, whilst Central Region had two gold, one silver and two bronze to place second with Volta Region getting one gold and one silver to place third.

The two-day event was held under the auspices of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA).

In the Girls' division, Western Region had five gold, three silver and one bronze to place first with Ashanti Region bagging three gold, five silver and four bronze to place second with Upper East placing third for securing two gold, two silver and three bronze.

In the Women's category, Ghana Police Service had five gold, eight silver and one bronze, with the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) coasting home with two gold, one silver to place second and Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) with one gold, one silver and one bronze to place third.

In the men's division, Police Service had two gold, two silver and two bronze with CEPS bagging two gold, two silver and one bronze whilst the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had one gold, two silver and three bronze to place third.

Professor Francis Dodoo, Chairman of the GAA, in an address at the closing ceremony, commended the participants for their discipline and commitment to the championship.

He said athletics had the potential to win laurels for the nation if stakeholders invested in it.

Prof. Dodoo said he was hopeful that the athletes would continue to train harder to enhance their career development to benefit the nation.