Abstract:
The introduction of sport into development programs can and will provide a better and greater
social impact and benefit. Beyond the immediate experience of participation, sport as a tool for
development has a profile with extremely high expectations and is consequently widely applied
by various organizations. The mobilization of sport as a vehicle for contributing to social
responsibility can be seen as a distinct opportunity for all development organizations. It was
against this background that this study was conducted with the objective of assessing the effects
of sports and play and community mobilization in the Ga South Municipality.
This study adopted the survey method to sample the views of 100 community members of the
Obom community in the Ga South Community. In addition, 15 personnel from Right to Play and
10 from the Ga South Municipal Assembly were interviewed.
The research found that there are several sports policies at the sub-national levels, some of which
have been embedded into the education curriculum and these present clear opportunity for
community mobilization. The study further revealed that football was the most effective sport in
promoting community mobilization and enhancing social interaction around development
activities. In effect, sporting events generally have led to stronger social cohesion in the study
area thereby reducing incidences of social conflicts. Furthermore, school level sports have also
contributed to improved school attendance of pupils. Inspite of all these benefits of sports for
social mobilization, the study found that the lack of or inadequate sports infrastructure threatens
the effectiveness of sports as a vehicle for community mobilization and social interaction
Recommendations made included the fact that sport and play should be considered as a highly
effective tool to support community/social mobilization. Government should consider
establishing sports colleges to train more professionals in the field; the GASMA should consider
adopting football as sport for mobilizing community for development; the government through
the district assemblies should identify and make available resources for sport initiatives.
The private sector partners, sports organizations and civil society should be encouraged to
support sport for development and peace initiatives in communities.
