A Ghanaian Development Expert Chris Addy-Nayo has urged countries in the ECOWAS sub-region to exploit its cultures and traditions for the development of the sub-region.
Speaking at The Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA) foundation laying stone to construct 8 Wrestling arenas to promote and encourage wrestling in the country recently, Chris Addy-Nayo praised the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) for the foresight in donating prime lands in its communities for the building of the arenas, which would be a focal point for culture, youth development and promotion of tourism.
He bemoaned the situation in many West African countries where local Authorities collaborate with politicians and local Chiefs in using community lands for illegal activities such as illegal mining, illegal logging, and poaching leading to the destruction of water bodies, agriculture lands, deforestation and dislocation of communities and destructive impact on the Youth.
In contrast, he added that this unique effort by GALGA and GWA would help mine the potentials of our traditions and cultures for intercultural cohesion, promote our identify, help create decent jobs in the sports Industry and media for young men and women, promote local community tourism and prevent the illegal migration of young men and women.
Amongst the zones to build these arenas includes Buffer Zone, Kanifing Municipality, Ndemban, Foni, WCR, Kwinella, LRR, Brikamaba/Boyeram, CRR-South, Basse, URR, Wassu, CRR-North, Ballangharr, CRR-North, Farrafenni, NBR, Barra, NBR) which has a population of over 1, 170,000 people by stimulating the production and promotion of innovative handicrafts, Arts Works and traditional wrestling clubs and tournaments.
The project has duration of 3 years with the technical and financial support of the European Union and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
