President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has dedicated the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.
The youth resource center is one of ten such facilities being built around the country.
According to the President, the initiative fulfills his pledges to the Ghanaian people to improve youth and sports across the board.
The 5000-seater stand, basketball and volleyball courts, a long tennis court, and running tracks were added as part of the rehabilitation, which began in March 2018 by then-Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah.
In addition, the building now includes a press box, VIP stand, ICT lab, café, counseling and career centers.
The Ghana Athletics Association recruited a group from Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Wa to participate in several sports disciplines in preparation for the 2024 Athletic season.
President Akufo Addo, who could not contain his delight, stated that the opening of the first of ten youth resource centers was proof of his pledge to Ghanaians to enhance youth and sports.
President Akufo Addo, who has stated that he has prioritized the completion of the remaining facilities, has directed the Ministry of Finance and the various district assemblies to allocate the necessary funds from the common funds to the National Youth Authority under ACT 939 in order to ensure the timely completion of these legacy projects.
After formally revealing the venue, President Akufo Addo proceeded to kick off the official game between Ghana’s Under 20 side the Black Satellites and Akyem Oda-based Kotoku Royals to open the facility to the general public.
Bawa Fusieni, President of the Ghana sports Association, spoke with Citi News about the facility’s role in producing talent for the sports organization.
According to Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, the facility offers a haven and area for congregation and entertainment for young people.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, who was overjoyed to have such a facility, emphasized the facility’s relevance to youth development.
Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Yussif touted President Akufo Addo’s commitment to sports and measures taken by his administration to improve sporting facilities in the country.