His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana on Tuesday 4th of April 2023 commissioned an ultra-modern astroturf pitch at Alajo in the Ayawaso Central Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

A colourful gathering of senior government officials, traditional leaders and a cross section of residents of the Alajo community was held to mark the commissioning of the new multipurpose sports Astroturf facility in the Ayawaso Central Constituency.

Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo explained that the project was implemented by the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), a flagship of his administration which is helping to accelerate economic and social development in all constituencies across Ghana through the provision of essential infrastructure projects. He mentioned that Ghanaians love football so much that the sport has become an effective tool in promoting unity among citizens. The President recounted that the Alajo community has produced skillful footballers for the national team including legends such as Abedi Pele, Osei Kuffour, Yaw Preko, and Mohammed Kudus.

President Akufo-Addo indicated that his administration has ensured the massive development of sports infrastructure and will continue to invest more in that sector to enable the facilitation of talent development in the country. “We want to see more Mohammed Kudus and Abedi Peles discovered, which is why the development of sporting infrastructure across the country is critical to this goal", he stated.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Mustapha Ussif in his remarks revealed that "this is the first time in the history of Ghana that a government has been able to construct one hundred and twenty-five (125) Astroturf pitches across the country within these few years". According to him the construction of the new project was evidence of the commitment of the Akufo-Addo government to develop and expand sports facilities across the nation. He urged managers of the facility to maintain it well for the people of Alajo and neighbouring communities.

The CEO of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib in his speech stated that the "commissioning of this magnificent astroturf project is a significant milestone in our country’s commitment to promoting sports". According to him, the government is aware of the importance of sports to national development and mentioned that the Coastal Development Authority is currently in partnership with private investors to construct several astroturf pitches within the Coastal Development Zone.

The CEO thanked the President for the latter's wisdom and vision by creating the Development Authorities which are bringing development to the doorsteps of the people.

Touching on the management of the facility, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib indicated that a six-member management committee comprising two (2) representatives each from CODA, Ayawaso Municipal Assembly and the Alajo Traditional Council has been set up to manage the facility. He advised the youth to cooperate with the management committee to ensure that the pitch is well maintained.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central Constituency, Hon. Henry Quartey thanked the President and the CEO of CODA for ensuring the construction of this modern astroturf pitch. According to him this and several other projects in the constituency have helped in bringing peace and unity to the people of Alajo. He further promised that as MP for the area he will ensure an unending consultation with the Chief, Nii Armah Ajoor and people of Alajo in order to bring more development to the people.

A curtain raiser match between the Old Black Stars Team and the Alajo Eleven Team was played which ended in a win for the Old Black Stars.

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr. Adumuah Bossman; Alajo Mantse, Nii Armah Ajoor; Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey; Mayor of Tema, Yohane Amarh Ashitey; Deputy CEO of Coastal Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Kofi Karikari-Bondzie, and Chiefs and Queen mothers from Alajo and surrounding communities.

Source: Ghana/sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah