Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif says a visionary programme like the 3FM Tour du Ghana cycling competition cannot be left to thrive on its own.
He has, therefore, pledged commitment to help the organisers make it a major tourist attraction in the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event at Ashaiman Tulaku, where cyclists from different parts of the country gathered for the start of the maiden event, Mustapha Ussif said: “Government is committed to what is termed as the lesser known sports.”
He indicated, therefore, that with a promising programme like the 3FM Tour du Ghana, “I can’t sit aloof and get it not supported”.
“This brings us together. It brings national cohesion. it also promotes tourism and government is committed to promoting such sporting festivals and sporting competitions.”
He said his ministry will make sure Corporate Ghana is rallied to support such a programme.
Earlier, the Head of Station for 3FM, Sola Aklamati, stressed that the vision of the organisers is to attract other West African nationals to the competition.
Among the over 100 cyclists registered for the maiden edition were some Togolese.
He said the competition is envisaged to be Number 1 in West Africa in the near future to attract Nigerians, Senegalese, Togolese and other West Africans.
The 3FM Tour du Ghana is sponsored by Verna Mineral Water, McBerry Biscuits, Oba Spaghetti, Super Yogo and Prudential Life Insurance, official life insurers of all registered cyclists. It is also supported by Volta Hotel, Dodi World and Decathlon, who are giving away prizes for the cyclists.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|Skynetgh.com|Ghana
