The Ghana Badminton Association (BAG) has held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) with members adopting new reforms for the Association.
The AGM held over the weekend at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium saw delegates from 15 regions and 28 clubs across the country attending.
The Association also received solidarity messages from the National Paralympic Committee, Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Women in Sports Association of Ghana.
At the AGM, members changed the Badminton Association of Ghana (BAG) to Ghana Badminton Association (BAG), however maintained its initials for the Association.
Members also approved an Athletes Commission Chairman on the Board, called for female representation on all governance structures of the BAG, adopted an Internal Resolution Mechanism, Membership Categorisation Committee and an Individual Associate membership.
This new proposals from Members which was unanimously approved called for an amendment in the BAG’s Constitution, which was adopted for the changes to take effect immediately.
Mr. Evans Yeboah commended Members, Board of BAG, Volunteers, Sponsors for the roles played in developing the sport in Ghana.
He said, “the future of Badminton lies with our younger players, and therefore pleased to see the National Junior High-Performance Plan and Shuttle-Time Programme progressing so well. Teachers in our schools and clubs in communities are embracing the coaching provided with great enthusiasm. There have also been an increased number in both the Primary and Secondary schools, whilst community clubs have increased 4000% across the country, the last three years.
“It is clear from the results across the regions that the fine work being done at this level is providing a host of talented young players both willing and able to compete at the highest level, both internationally and nationally.”
Mr Yeboah added that the BAG’s link with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) continues to develop the game and the equipment sponsorship donation by Badminton England, and BWF for shuttle time has being put to good use.
Reviewing activities of the BAG in 2018-2019, he said it was an exceptional year which saw key programs delivered with success on and off the court. Per recent assessment results by the World body, Ghana is now ranked 6th position out of 10th in terms of development achievement as assessed, and better improved performance than 124 Badminton countries in the world.
These includes, the National High-Performance Program, 33 new clubs registered, Para Badminton activities in Abuja, Nigeria, Courses for umpires and tournament referees and a major boost of 167 new coaches.
The President hinted the Association is in talks with the Winneba Sport College to build a national badminton centre that would provide opportunities to reshape the discipline and announced that, the University of Education Winneba management have approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the BAG that would help develop badminton in Ghana.