The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has assured that necessary steps have been taken to avert Anti-Doping issues in Ghana during the 15-day African Games 2023.
Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Information on the update of the 2023 African Games, the minister, Mustapha Ussif said doping issues are critical and Ghana has put in place measures to prevent any such occurrence.
Doping in competitive sports is the use of banned athletic performance-enhancing drugs by athletic competitors, as a way of cheating.
Ghana will welcome about 13,000 athletes and officials for the 15-day African event with almost 20 countries participating in the continental games.
According to Mr. Mustapha Ussif, an Anti-Doping bill has already been passed by parliament pending the president’s assent to become law as such, droping will not be countenanced.
“Ghana anti-doping bill was passed by parliament just last week, Thursday. So, we are now waiting for the president to ascend to the bill and we have put in place all the doping issues.”
He also revealed that the participating athletes are well-informed of the consequences of indulging in doping.
On the issues of security, the sports minister hinted that his ministry has collaborated with national security to ensure 24-hour security is provided for the safety of games.
He said “The National Security Minister has assured us, and the Minister of Interior and Minister for Defence. They’ve all put a team together and are working around the clock to ensure the safety of all athletes and officials.”
Mr. Mustapha Ussif also assured efforts are in place to ensure that the safety of all participating athletes is not compromised.
“The athletes who are coming, will come here safe, participate in all the competitions safely and leave this country safe,” he emphasized.
Read more news here
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
