Accra: Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure has urged the Sports Ministry in Ghana to stop focusing on just the Black Stars and give other sporting disciplines the needed support. His comments come on the back of talents discovered in the Ashanti Region's senior high schools' super zonals.
According to Ghana Web, Manasseh Azure highlighted the risk of losing talented athletes if there is no plan and investment in other sporting disciplines. He expressed concern that such talents would fade away after their high school education due to the lack of support and development opportunities beyond football.
In several posts shared via social media, the journalist urged the Sports Ministry to expand its investments in sports beyond the senior male national team. Azure questioned whether the country would stand by as talented athletes from Kumasi high schools and other regions disappear without proper nurturing and development.
Azure pointed out the abundance of talent on display at high school sports festivals, arguing that Ghana should not have to recruit Ghanaians born abroad to represent the nation. He criticized the Ministry of Sports for acting as a "Ministry for Black Stars," emphasizing that sporting talents in Ghana are being wasted without proper support and attention.
Despite promises from successive governments in Ghana to invest in a variety of sports, Azure noted that their focus has consistently remained on football, particularly the Black Stars, resulting in unmet commitments to diversify sports development in the country.