The Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Isaac Kwame Asiamah has opened the 6th International Sports Press Association (AIPS) African Congress with a call on the press to safeguard the integrity of sports by projecting it as an effective tool for the development of individuals and nations as a whole rather than the ‘win at all cost’ mentality that dominates the system.

The Minister also bemoaned the current situation where values in sports are being undermined by negative activities such as doping, corruption scandals, age cheating, and match-fixing.

The Sector Minister urged the sports press to be circumspect in their reportage as it’s nature could ignite emotions and passion and, in some cases, lead to conflict.

“Indeed, where politics and diplomacy have failed to resolve strained relations between nations and individuals, it is sports that came to the rescue”. He added.

With sports press consisting of print and broadcast media as well as professional sports photographers, Isaac Kwame Asiamah suggested that SWAG consider rechristening to Sports Press Association Ghana (SPAG) in order to be in sync with International best practices.

The Congress, which is being held in Accra, forms part of activities lined-up for Sports Writers Association of Ghana’s (SWAG) Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations and has brought together delegates in the sports press across Africa.