Minister touts government’s investment in sports

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Yusif says the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was committed to using sports as a catalyst for economic development, hence the huge investments made into sports facilities across the country.

He highlighted that the government had spent huge funds to ensure the timely completion of various sporting facilities at the University of Ghana and Borteyman to enable Ghana to successfully host the 2023 African Games next March in Accra.

The Sports Minister made the observation at the commissioning of the Teshie McDan Sports Complex last Saturday, explaining that there were only two astro turf pitches in the country when President Akufo-Addo assumed office in 2017 but the number had increased to 152 under the government.

“In terms of sports investment in the history of our republic, since independence, there is no government that has invested heavily than Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government,” he said.

The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, inaugurated a 4,000-seater complex for sporting and recreational activities, as well as the development of talents in the Teshie metropolis.

It represents the first phase of the GH₵20 million multi-purpose sports complex. The second phase two will include the VIP section, a football academy, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, table tennis, and swimming facilities when completed.

The once grassless pitch, which has now metamorphosed into a 110-metre by 75-metre square astro turf facility, is situated in the heart of Teshie Tsui Bleoo. It was financed by the McDan Foundation and constructed by the Wembley Sports Construction Company Limited.

It was built through the influence of support of the former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ledzokuku Constituency, Dr Bernard Oko Boye, who made an appeal to Dr Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Foundation, to extend his social responsibility projects to the people of Teshie.

This is the second astro turf pitch funded by the McDan Foundation in the Greater Accra Region after the McDan Park at La, which serves as the home ground for some teams in the Women’s Premier League.