Transport Minister Kweku Ofori Asiamah has officially inaugurated a GH¢4,066,102 state-of-the-art sports complex constructed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) at Tema Newtown.
This Astro-Turf project, named after the late Paramount Chief of the area Nii Adjei Kraku II, (the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex) was handed over to the Tema Traditional Council for management
Delivering his keynote address at the ceremony, Transport Minister Kweku Ofori Asiamah said the project is due to deliberate efforts and initiatives by government agencies such as GPHA aimed at enhancing the lives of Ghanaians, and such efforts must be lauded and encouraged.
The facility’s construction, according to him, is in tandem with government’s efforts at constructing Astro-Turf pitches across the country.
“I believe it is the high level of friendship existing between the Authority and chiefs and people of Tema Newtown that culminated in the construction of this facility. I have no doubt in my mind that this facility will go a long way to inject additional impetus into the Tema Newtown community, and also become a catalyst which enhances the quality of life for the people, especially the youth,” Mr. Asiamah said.
The Transport Minister added that, so far, more than 30 brand-new Astro-Turf pitches have been constructed by the Akufo-Addo-led government across the country – with Adenta, Karaga, Yendi, Beposo, Bantama, Akyemansa, Mankessim, Adiembra and Tarkwa, to name but a few, being some of the beneficiary communities.
“It is the belief of government that having such facilities spread across the country will significantly impact efforts at youth empowerment and ensure a healthy population through sports and games,” he said.
He commended the Board and Management of GPHA for churning out such laudable projects, and entreated other public sector agencies to emulate the example of GPHA by reaching out to communities in their operational areas and lending support to them. This, he said, will amount to taking care of the people’s social needs while removing some of the burden from government’s shoulders.
Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Michael Luguje, emphasised that the facility is a significant one with a host of amenities – including a standard FIFA-size Astro-Turf pitch; spectator stands with seating capacity of 1,000; a VIP stand and changing rooms; a multipurpose side-court for volleyball and basketball; a lawn tennis court; a playground for kids; additional changing rooms and washroom facilities under the spectator stands; and 8 commercial stores complemented by the requisite drains and superstructure.
He said the Authority will subsequently provide a wall at the cost of GH¢900,000 – although this was not originally part of the project.
Mr. Luguje indicated that the facility will help in no small measure to shape and empower the youth insofar as raising responsible young people for the country is concerned, as well as serve as a uniting factor in the community when people are seen engaging in various sporting activities to keep fit and to bond.
He acknowledged the contribution of former Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah; former Member of Parliament for Tema East, Daniel NII Kwatei Titus Glover; and the late Chief Nii Adjei Kraku II, who played key roles in the project.
Mr. Luguje urged the Tema Traditional Council to ensure they raise the needed revenue to ensure the complex’s management and maintenance for future users.
Stool Secretary of Tema Traditional Council, Nii Armah Somponu, on behalf of the Chief and people of the community thanked the GPHA for constructing the facility for them, and assured that it will be maintained properly to guarantee a long lifespan.
