Africa-Press – Ghana. A high-level Volta Sports Development Forum as part of ongoing Seventh Volta Trade and Investment Fair has rallied regional leaders, academia and sports officials to prioritise talent, health and economic growth.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss how sports, health, and nutrition could jointly shape a stronger economic future for the Volta Region.
The event was themed: “Harnessing healthy regional talent for global economic growth and a thriving 24-Hour economy.”
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, said sports had evolved beyond entertainment into a strategic tool for youth empowerment, health promotion and job creation.
“Under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s national resetting agenda is creating stability and targeted investment in young people. Sports form a key part of this vision,” he stated.
Prof Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Dean, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Healh and Allied Sciences (UHAS), stressed the need for sustained investment in talent grooming, proper athlete nutrition, scientific training and strong medical support.
He noted that UHAS remained committed to providing the systems needed to build resilient and competitive athletes for the region and the country.
Mr Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, Representing the National Sports Authority, said the Volta Region’s water bodies offered a natural advantage for producing world-class swimmers and divers. He urged stakeholders to move from promises to action. “Performance is the only reality. Let this forum not become a talk shop but a starting point to produce the champions the Minister spoke about,” he said.
Mr Armstrong-Mortagbe, emphasised the economic power of sports, citing global examples. He described sports as a multibillion-dollar industry capable of transforming tourism, media, recreation, and talent markets.
“When we invest in young people through sports development, we prepare them for global impact,” he added, highlighting the need to preserve sports spaces and integrate health and nutrition into athlete development.
Madam Philippina Frimpong, Volta Regional Director of Sports, said the region is working toward “Volta to Olympics – Agenda 2028.” She noted that Volta had competitive advantages in volleyball, track events, and basketball, but expressed concern over the region’s sports infrastructure. She cited the Youth Resource Centre, saying,
“It cannot be used for athletics because the running tracks are concrete.”
She appealed to government agencies to seek NSA expertise before constructing future facilities.
The forum ended with a renewed commitment to build structures, partnerships, and opportunities to prepare young Volta athletes for national and global achievements.
Stakeholders agreed that aligning sports with health and nutrition would strengthen the region’s contribution to Ghana’s 24-hour economic vision.
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