President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre as the first of 10 multi-purpose sports stadiums constructed across the country.
The commissioning event underscores the President’s pursuit and commitment to youth and sports development, with an impressive array of facilities aimed at nurturing both physical and intellectual growth.
The ceremony also had in attendance some key figures including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif and the CEO of the National Youth Agency (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide.
Others were the Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Okraku, Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III and some notable personalities and politicians from the Eastern Region.
These initiatives by the government, according to President Akufo-Addo, include the renovation of national stadiums, construction of a regional sports complex, provision of community-level Astro turfs and world-class infrastructure for hosting and organising the 13th African Games at Borteyman and the University of Ghana.
The President emphasised that the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre is just the beginning of a series to come since measures are in place to commission nine other similar facilities across the nation.
Every facility will be equipped with a FIFA-standard football pitch, a nine-lane athletic track and adaptable courts for tennis, basketball, handball and volleyball. The facilities will also boast of a modern gymnasium, counselling centre, IT hub, entrepreneurship centre, and a contemporary restaurant.
Mr Ussif stated that “in the history of Ghana, no President has a better record in the provision of sports infrastructure than President Akufo-Addo. The evidence is clear and the impact on sports development at all levels is undeniable.”
Emphasising on President Akufo-Addo’s passion for sports, the Sports Minister expressed gratitude for the continuous support, even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President’s dedication to athletics and various sports disciplines yielded notable success, including Ghana’s first Olympic medal in the 4th Republic and commendable performances at the Commonwealth Games.
As the nation looks forward to hosting the upcoming African Games in March, Mr Ussif urged Ghanaians to embrace the event, make it a true Ghanaian spectacle and maximise the benefits it brings.
The commissioning of the Koforidua Sports Centre stands as a testament to President Akufo-Addo’s transformative vision while solidifying his legacy as a champion of sports development in Ghana.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD