President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, September 4, 2020, commissioned a GHȻ4 million ultramodern 500-seater astroturf stadium at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Construction works on the facility, which has floodlights, panel mesh fencing, changing rooms, offices, storage space and washrooms, began on Monday, July 1, 2019, after President Akufo-Addo had cut the sod for the commencement of the project.
President Akufo-Addo at the commissioning ceremony said the project formed part of the government’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure across the country, adding “the provision of the requisite infrastructure to this end is critical if our nation is to regain its enviable place in sports on the continent and in the world.”
The President said the government, through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is committed to promoting sports in the country’s schools “and is fully supporting corporate initiatives in this directive.”
He was impressed by “the major infrastructural developments at UPSA and the consistent efforts of management to engender the transformation of this University into a state-of-the-art world-class institution.”
President Akufo-Addo said the provision of the requisite infrastructure to this end is critical “if our nation is to regain its pride and place in sports on the continent and in the world.”
The President commended the Management of UPSA for their monumental efforts at putting up massive infrastructure, including school building projects to await the “Akufo-Addo’s graduates”—the Free SHS graduands.
The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Abednego F. Okoe Amartey said the construction of the AstroTurf stadium is in line with Management’s vision to unearth students with sporting potentials and talents to make UPSA a learning institution of choice.
Professor Okoe Amartey expressed the University’s gratitude to the President and described his frequent visits to the institution as historic. “This is your third visit to the University of Professional Studies.
The UPSA Vice-Chancellor told the President that “our university is the only university you have visited three times during your presidency and we are most humbled. This is historic indeed and we are extremely grateful for your involvement in this project from start to finish.”
Former Black Stars players, Asamoah Gyan and Laryea Kingston, as well as President for the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku were all present at the ceremony to grace the occasion.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
