President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked that the National Rugby team be given same recognition and access to state facilities just like their counterparts in other sports.
“Other sports do, so why would that not be the case for rugby? I think it is something that you should look into. You should look into it, and I think there should be no obstacle. They should be given the same opportunity,” the President said yesterday when he met members of the National Rugby Team at Jubilee House.
He added that facilities like the stadia are not private property, adding that such facilities are for the people of Ghana and since the team are part of the Ghanaian fabric they should be allowed to use them.
Curriculum
On the issue of adding rugby to the curriculum of sports in schools, President Akufo-Addo said once it has potential in the country, it should be considered.
“They say success breeds success, and I think if it’s begun to be successful, it’s a very good indication that it has potential in our country; we should be able to do it,” he said.
He said developing a good rugby tradition in Ghana is in the right direction.
The President noted that, in the near future, if the sports is developed well, he will accept a challenge from his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, for Ghana to face South Africa in a rugby match.
Go high
President Akufo-Addo encouraged the team to do all it can to improve, while recalling his days as a rugby player, which drew thunderous applause from the team.
The President assured the team that the Chief of Staff will ensure that the team gets a reasonable amount of seed money to meet their cost of camping and provide some incentives to the team as well.
“So, she has asked me to tell you that she is going to make available to you $100,000 to help you for the cost of your camping,” he said.
