Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia kicks a ball to commission the ultra modern astro turf in Adjiringanor
VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the Adjiringanor Wembley Football Park near East Legon in Accra.
The facility, constructed by Wembley Sports Constructions Company, was funded by the Ghana Gas Limited.
It is a FIFA standard size pitch of 98 by 58 square meters, and has floodlights and yet-to-be constructed stands and changing rooms.
The Vice President noted, “Indeed this goes a long way to confirm the vision of President Akuffo-Addo of building ten multi-purpose stadia in the ten old regions, they will soon be commissioned.”
He added that, “Prior to 2016, there were only two astro turfs across the country and in the Akufo-Addo’s four years of governance, it has been increased to 54 astro turfs.
“We are committed to constructing more to improve community sports and fitness activities. I therefore entreat the sports minister to institute a national fitness day,” he added.
The Vice President also urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the facility was well maintained to stand the test of time.
Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Yussif, pointed out that the commissioning was an indication that the President was committed to youth development.
He said the government will continue with the expansion of sports infrastructure, and admonished the private and public institutions to support government’s agenda in transforming the sports industry.
He was optimistic that the beneficiaries of the astro turf would institute a good maintenance culture.
Ben Asante, MD of Ghana Gas, in a comment stated, “We at Ghana Gas believe in supporting sports, and we have been supporting it in the last few years. We believe sports is cardinal and that investing in sports facilities help in personal development.”
Robert Coleman, CEO of Wembley Sports, in a remark, emphasised that “In 2016, President Akufo-Addo declared his vision of 1V1D and 1C1F and we took inspiration from the President’s statement. Across the country, we have so far constructed 54 pitches.”
He further noted that, “The country has over 20,000 dilapidated pitches that can be developed to help our youth talent development”
Also, he mentioned that the second phase would see the construction of a spectator stand of about 3,000.