|
|
Fellow Ghanaians, there is good news for sports enthusiasts. During his 17th address to the nation on coronavirus, president Akufo Addo lifted the ban on sporting events in Ghana. This comes as no surprise since Nana Addo himself was captured playing football with the legendary Asamoah Gyan last week. He must have missed watching the most popular game on the planet himself.
And with the covid-19 fever diminishing to the barest minimum, there is a glimmer of hope that Ghana is winning the fight against the deadly virus.
On sports, here is what Akufo Addo had to say concerning the gradual easing of restrictions, and the return to the new normal.
Towards the progressive easing of restrictions, the Government has taken the decision to allow the resumption of training in all contact sports, taking into consideration the imminent participation of our national teams in international competitions.
Indeed, some national teams have already been given the dispensation to begin training, ahead of their international engagements. All sports people, who are camped, are to be tested regularly.
Fellow Ghanaians, with respect to football, after due consultations with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, 30th October, with a full regime of testing of the players, technical and management staff.
Unfortunately, don’t expect all spectators to troop to the stadiums in their numbers to watch football right away. The president has asked sports clubs to reduce the seating capacities of their stadia facilities to just 25%.
No spectators will be allowed at the training centres, and, when actual competition resumes, seating at all stadia will be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) capacity to ensure social distancing. Meanwhile, the wearing of masks by spectators at the stadium will be mandatory. The restart of all other sporting competitions will be determined on a case-by-case basis, pending consultations between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the respective sport associations.
In summary, it’s exciting to hear that Akufo Addo finally lifts the ban on sports in Ghana. At long last, football players can get back to the training ground.
