The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has “officially reached out in writing to all declared Presidential Aspirants” to engage them in advocating for the inclusion of sports as a priority in their election manifestos, ensuring they will elevate sports to a central focus of their political agendas.
The move comes at a time when many countries are recognizing the multifaceted benefits of a robust sports sector, including improved public health, youth development, and international prestige.
According to a statement issued by SWAG’s Deputy General Secretary, Kenneth Odeng Adade, this strategic move is designed to transform the perception of sports from a mere recreational activity to a significant sector with substantial economic and developmental potential.
“By aligning sports with scientific research and evidence-based practices, SWAG believes it is crucial for candidates seeking the presidency to elevate sports to a central focus of their political agendas,” the statement read.
“To this end, SWAG has officially reached out in writing to all declared Presidential Aspirants and will be scheduling follow-up meetings at their earliest convenience.”
The association plans to schedule follow-up meetings with these candidates at their earliest convenience. These engagements will serve as platforms to address key challenges facing sports development in Ghana and to gain insights into the specific policies candidates plan to implement for the advancement of the sports sector.
The initiative reflects SWAG’s commitment to fostering meaningful conversations about the role of sports in national development.
By engaging directly with presidential aspirants, SWAG aims to ensure that sports receive the attention and resources necessary to realize its full potential as a driver of economic growth and social development.
Through these engagements, SWAG hopes to see comprehensive sports policies become integral parts of the national development agenda, regardless of which party assumes power.
As these meetings unfold, stakeholders in Ghana’s sports community will be keenly watching to see how presidential aspirants respond to SWAG’s call for prioritizing sports in their campaigns and potential future administrations.