President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, inaugurated the Koforidua Sports Stadium, a pivotal moment that marks the launch of the first among 10 multi-purpose sports stadiums.
The ceremony, presided over by President Akufo-Addo, drew notable figures including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, the CEO of the National Youth Agency (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, and the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, alongside other prominent personalities and politicians from the Eastern Region.
Mr. Ussif emphasized the monumental progress made by the government in sports infrastructure development. The Koforidua Sports Stadium serves as a precursor to the commissioning of nine other similar facilities nationwide.
Each stadium will boast a FIFA-standard football pitch, a nine-lane athletic track, and versatile courts for tennis, basketball, handball, and volleyball. Additionally, modern amenities such as a gymnasium, counselling centre, IT hub, entrepreneurship centre, and contemporary restaurant are integral parts of these comprehensive sports complexes.
Highlighting the comprehensive sports infrastructure initiatives implemented in the past seven years under President Akufo-Addo’s visionary leadership, Mr. Ussif commended the renovation of national stadiums, construction of regional sports complexes, and the provision of community-level astro turfs. He particularly highlighted the world-class infrastructure established for hosting and organizing the 13th African Games at Borteyman and the University of Ghana.
“In the history of Ghana, no President has a better record in the provision of sports infrastructure than President Nana Akufo-Addo. The evidence is clear, and the impact on sports development at all levels is undeniable,” remarked Mr. Ussif.
Expressing gratitude for President Akufo-Addo’s unwavering support during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Ussif acknowledged the President’s passion for sports. This commitment has resulted in notable successes, including Ghana’s first Olympic medal in the 4th Republic and commendable performances at the Commonwealth Games.
As Ghana eagerly anticipates hosting the upcoming African Games in March, Mr. Ussif called on the nation to embrace the event, transforming it into a true Ghanaian spectacle and maximizing its associated benefits.
The commissioning of the Koforidua Sports Stadium stands as a testament to President Akufo-Addo’s transformative vision, solidifying his legacy as a champion of sports development in Ghana.