Tema, July 22, GNA -- The Eastern Naval Command on Wednesday performed a ground-breaking ceremony for work to begin towards the construction of a GH¢ 25,000 handball court at the Tema Naval Base. The project which is expected to be completed within three months is being funded by the Provident Life Insurance Company and would also include the renovation of the existing basketball court to an Olympic court standard.

Commodore Albert Addison, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Eastern Naval Base, said the project would enhance the civil-military relationship between the command and the company. Cmdr Addison said that the project when completed would not only help unearth sporting talents of recruits but would as well create an avenue for them to build their interest in handball and basketball. The FOC added that the use of the courts would help strengthen recruits to go through their fitness programmes successfully as well as provide an opportunity for them to develop sound minds to discharge their duties.

Cmdr Addison explained that the project was also in line with government's plans to develop other sporting disciplines in the country, in addition to the nation's passion, football. Mr Wilson Tei, Managing Director of Provident Life Insurance who performed the ground-breaking ceremony, said the project was in fulfillment of company's corporate social responsibility. He said that the project was the second sports facility to be constructed by his outfit for the Ghana Armed Forces, with the first being basketball and volleyball courts for the Army Recruits Training School at the Shai Hills near Tema. He advised officers and recruits and other personnel against using the facilities for entertainment purposes only but to ensure they use them to strengthen their capabilities in order to effectively discharge their duties to the country. Mr Tei also entreated them to engage in gainful activities like sports to ensure their future life is secure since government alone cannot cater for all their when after they retire from active service. 22 July 09