Bukom and Jamestown both communities in the Odododiodoo Constituency in the Greater Accra Region will soon boast of two ultra-modern football pitches (astroturf) to help nurture the interest of the youth in sports and unearth talents in the community.
The football parks to be constructed at Mantse Agbonaa and Bukom Square will be financed by the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) under the One-constituency, One-million dollars project and maintained by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
The parks when completed will have a FIFA standard eleven aside 52 by 96 meters football pitch (astroturf), wash/changing rooms, spectator stands and floodlights among others.
Speaking at a community engagement at the Freeman Methodist Church in Accra on Tuesday, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Accra, said the project when completed would be managed and maintained by the Assembly to ensure that it serves its purpose to the benefit of the community.
“The AMA will be responsible for the cost of electricity as well as the maintenance of the parks in order to serve its purpose to the benefit of all members of the community,” he said.
He explained that the purpose of the engagement was to come to an agreement with community members on the way forward in the utilisation of the One District One Million Dollar facility initiated by the government to finance capital expenditure in the country.
“We are here because of the construction of an AstroTurf and you have all been invited so we can share ideas, we want you to tell us whether you are in favour of the various developmental projects being initiated in the area,” he said.
Mr Jerry Ahmed Shiab, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for CODA said the project is expected to be completed in six (6) months and was hopeful the construction would create jobs for the youth within Ashiedu Keteke.
He noted that prior to this engagement the Mayor of Accra had engaged chiefs and people of the community to ascertain their developmental needs and one of the issues that came up during the discussions was a request to develop existing parks hence the decision to transform the Bukom Square and Mantse Agbonaa into multi-purpose parks to promote sports in the community.
He also acknowledged a similar request from the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area adding that his request buttress the need for an AstroTurf park for the area.
He urged the people of Odododiodioo Constituency to support this project to ensure it is successfully completed and further, ensure that a high level of maintenance culture is adhered to.
So far, six AstroTurfs with spectator stands and dressing rooms have been constructed across the country by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under the One-constituency, One-million dollars project.
