The Security Service Sports Association (SESSA) Games have been officially relaunched on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the University of Ghana Sports Directorate Conference Hall.
Established in 1987, the SESSA Games were previously organized among Ghana’s security services but were suspended for over a decade due to unforeseen circumstances.
Historically, the SESSA Games have played a vital role in unearthing sporting talent through inter-services competitions, contributing significantly to the success of Ghana’s national teams at both domestic and international levels.
The upcoming SESSA Athletics Open Championship is scheduled to take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium from November 2 to 3, 2024, featuring participation from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Customs.
Addressing attendees at the launch, Seth Panwum Boyoyo, Acting National Sports Authority (NSA) Board Chairman, expressed his honor in presiding over the event.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to promote sports excellence among our security professionals and youth development in the country,” he stated.
He emphasized that the revival of the SESSA Games aligns with government policy aimed at fostering a healthy nation through support for all sporting activities.
Mr. Boyoyo highlighted that many national athletes have emerged from security agencies and noted the competitive spirit among them.
“We have all known that over the years, most of our national athletes have always emerged from the security agencies,” he remarked.
He encouraged participants to embrace the competition and strive for excellence.T
he Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), Andrew Asamoah Asante, also spoke at the launch, expressing enthusiasm for the return of such events.
“It has been a long time since these events were organized, so we are very glad that they are coming back,” he said.
He assured that his team is well-prepared for the upcoming championships and emphasized the morale-boosting benefits of participating in such competitions.
Mr. Asante noted that the revival of the SESSA Games would greatly benefit officers within the security services:
“Every year, the Security Service used to organize these events, and it has been quite a while since we last did so. We are happy this event is back; it always raises morale,” he added.
Present at the event were notable figures including Mr. Bawa Fuseini, President of Ghana Athletics; Colonel Richard Akoto, Director of Physical Training and Sports for the Ghana Armed Forces; and Mr. Austin Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness at the University of Ghana.
