President Akufo-Addo has officially opened the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre in the Eastern Region for public use. The commissioning was held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
The 5,000-capacity multipurpose sports centre is part of ten youth resource centres being built across the country under the current government.
The edifice constructed by Novaco Limited comprises a FIFA-standard football pitch, a nine-lane athletic track, and versatile courts for tennis, basketball, handball, and volleyball.
The facility also includes a modern gymnasium, counseling centre, information technology hub, entrepreneurship centre, and a contemporary restaurant, providing a holistic environment for physical and intellectual development.
The colorful event was graced by dignitaries including the Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong, GFA President Kurt Okraku, NSA chairman Prof. Peter Twumasi, NYA CEO Pius Henam Hadzide and the Juaben Traditional council led by Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III.
There were exhibition games to test the readiness and showcase the purpose of the facilities.
On the football pitch, Ghana’s U20 team Black Meteors played a friendly game against Division One side, Kotoku Royals who could be the major beneficiary of the facility.
National athletes including Edwin Gadaye competed on track events- 800m ,4x100m and 100m. There was also exhibition games on the Basketball court.
President Akufo Addo speaking at the event said: “These facilities are envisaged as safe spaces for youth congregation and recreation, offering a diverse array of services, including state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, counseling centers, entrepreneurship hubs, and additional amenities that cater to the multifaceted opportunities presented to our youth”. “These projects hold immense potential”.
“This significant achievement is a testament to our dedication to fostering sports excellence, empowering the youth, and creating avenues for skills developed.”
President Akufo-Addo also revealed that the resource centres in Wa, Ho, Dormaa, and Dunkwa Offin will be commissioned for public use soon.
Four more resource centres in Kaneshie, Navrongo, Yendi, and Nyinahini are yet to be completed and President Akufo Addo promised they would be commissioned soon as he called on the Finance Ministry to release funds for the project.
“I urge you, the youth, to take ownership of this space. Let it be a canvas for your aspirations, a field for your talents, and a stage for your voices to be heard.”- said National Youth Authority CEO, Hon Pius Henam Hadzide.
Story By: Princeton Wiredu
