I have been pondering over how our beloved team, Okwahu United FC, will handle the situation once it qualifies for the Division 1 league, which I am confident will happen.
In Ghanaian sports, my research reveals that Okwahu United is the third club with the largest fan base, following Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Despite facing challenges in climbing to the top and competing with other dominant football clubs in the Ghana Premier League, Okwahu United FC has continued to witness a remarkable increase in its fan base over the years. This growth is a testament to the unwavering sports spirit of support for the team.
However, the Nkawkaw Sports Stadium, which serves as the home ground for Okwahu United Football Club, has been neglected for several years, despite promises by the ruling New Patriotic Party’s government to address the issue.
This is truly disappointing. Before the 2016 and 2020 General Elections, there were numerous assurances to fix the stadium, but no significant action has been taken thus far.
This situation originated when the current President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, who was then a flag-bearer, promised to change the destiny of the stadium during a rally held there.
At that time, Mr. President, your words instilled hope in the people of Kwahu, as the stadium not only serves Okwahu United FC but also hosts other sporting events such as Inter-Schools Competitions and the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival as a landing place.
While the stadium was in a poor state, it still served its purpose. However, due to the ongoing but stagnant project, no other sporting activities can be held there.
I consider the government’s failure to address the issue of the sports stadium as disrespectful and disappointing.
During the sod-cutting ceremony to commence the project, the Gyaasehene for Kwahu Traditional Council and the Chief of Atibie Berimah Kwame Asante Betiani II was present, representing Kwahu Hene Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II.
Additionally, other Chiefs from the Kwahu Traditional Council, including Obomeng Chief Nana Effah Opinaman III, were in attendance. The people of Kwahu eagerly witnessed this ceremony, as it was a significant event for their land.
The then Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah, outlined the plan for the construction, stating that it would be completed in two phases over two years.
The facility was intended to include a FIFA-standard football stadium with a seating capacity of 10,000, a multi-purpose court for 16 sports disciplines, an IAAF standard track, a gymnasium, a restaurant, and a hostel. Mr. Asiamah further revealed that once completed, the facility, funded by the Middle Belt Development Authority, would host international sports competitions, including football matches of the Black Stars.
These were encouraging developments for the people of Kwahu. However, now, the residents wish for the stadium to return to its previous state because all the promises made that day were merely empty words designed to deceive and disrespect the people and Chiefs.
I am sounding this alarm because I have consistently done so, not only because of Okwahu United FC (although the spirit that supports them always compels me to do so), but because the stadium would transform the environment, create jobs, and generate revenue.
It is time for the youth in Kwahu to rise and demand what is rightfully ours. I am not inciting anyone to fight for their rights, but rather, I am urging them to rise, speak up, demand action, and even demonstrate to express their grievances because we have been begging for far too long.
I hope that this message reaches the appropriate authorities who can come to our aid. The Nkawkaw Sports Stadium holds immense significance for us and is the heart of Kwahu. How would it feel to play with someone’s heart? It will be favorable to contemplate this and take action now as a ‘responsive government’.
Thank you.
I have created a video on my YouTube Channel, Kojo TV. Please watch and share it to help us gain support