Sports and Play and Community Mobilization in the Ga South Municipality

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.