An Open Letter to Heads of Senior High Schools in Ahafo: A Call for Urgent Action on Inter and Intra-School Sports

Dear Heads of Senior High Schools in the Ahafo Region,

I write to you with deep concern regarding the lack of inter-school sports activities in the Ahafo Region, an issue that continues to deprive our students of crucial opportunities for competition, exposure, and personal development.

Currently, inter-college sports are ongoing in the Central Region, yet Ahafo schools have been consistently left out of such events. This exclusion is particularly troubling when we consider that our immediate neighbors, Bono and Bono East, who we were once part of the same Brong Ahafo Region, successfully organized a month-long inter-school sports competition last year. Similarly, the Ashanti Region has maintained an annual inter-school sports event without fail. If these regions can prioritize sports for their students, why is Ahafo falling behind?

It is often argued that the lack of funds is a major obstacle to organizing these competitions. However, all Senior High Schools in Ghana receive financial assistance from the Central Government. If the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Central Regions can successfully organize inter-school sports activities, why can’t Ahafo? This raises a crucial question: is it truly a matter of funding, or is it a matter of prioritization and commitment?

Inter-school sports are not merely recreational; they are a vital part of students’ holistic education. They promote discipline, teamwork, and leadership, and they open doors for students to earn scholarships and represent their schools and the nation in competitive sports. The continued absence of such events in Ahafo is an injustice to our students and a setback for sports development in the region.

Furthermore, if sponsorship is a concern, there is a clear opportunity for support from Newmont Ghana Limited, the biggest gold mining company in Ghana, which operates its two largest mines in Ahafo—one in Kenyasi and another currently under development in Terchire. With the right engagement and proposal, Newmont and other corporate bodies can contribute to the revival of inter-school sports in the region.

I, therefore, urge the Heads of Senior High Schools in Ahafo to take immediate action by:

1. Advocating for Equal Sports Opportunities– Engage the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Regional Directorate to ensure that inter-school sports are prioritized and funded adequately.

2. Collaborating to Organize Competitions– If funding is a concern, schools can come together to host smaller-scale events, seeking sponsorships from local businesses and sports organizations.

3. Ensuring Accountability and Transparency– Clearly outline how available funds are allocated and explore cost-effective ways to hold inter-school sports without overburdening school budgets.

4. Learning from Other Regions– Reach out to schools in Bono, Bono East, and Ashanti Regions to understand their strategies and replicate successful models in Ahafo.

5. Seeking Sponsorships from Corporate Organizations– Engage companies like Newmont Ghana Limited and other stakeholders to invest in the development of sports in Ahafo’s Senior High Schools.

Our students deserve the same opportunities as their peers across Ghana. Let us not continue to deny them this right. I call on all stakeholders—Heads of Schools, GES officials, sports coordinators, corporate sponsors, and the broader community—to take decisive steps toward revitalizing inter-school sports in the Ahafo Region.

The future of our students depends on the decisions we make today. Let us act now.

Sincerely,
Pius Akwasi Addai-Tweneboah
A Native of Ahafo
And from the Pot

Published By: Ahafonews