The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Youth Authority (NYA) and former deputy Youth and Sports Minister,Pius Henam Hadzide,has confirmed that the newly constructed Youth Resource Center in Koforidua is expected to be managed by a third party to ensure the facility’s sustainability.
Mr Hadzie’s comments came after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo had officially opened the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre on December 27,2023.
The colorful event was graced by various dignitaries,such as 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.
Speaking at the event,the NYA boss highlighted that his outfit will adopt a new strategy to maintain the facility amidst the recent poor maintenance of national stadiums, especially the Accra Sports Stadium by the National Sports Authority,the nation’s supervisors of sports facilities.
“To ensure sustainability of the facilities the National Youth Authority has decided to leverage a third-party facility managers to manage and oversee the regular and proper maintenance and usage of the facility.
“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
This edifice was constructed by Novaco company Limited and it can now boast of a FIFA-standard football pitch,a nine-lane athletic track,versatile courts for tennis, basketball,handball and volleyball.Also a 5000-seater stand for spectators.
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 of Ghanaians.
Expressing his joy,President Akufo Addo emphasized that the commissioning of the inaugural Youth Resource Center exemplified his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of Ghana regarding youth and sports development
“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.”
Four more resource centres in Kaneshie, Navrongo,Yendi,and Nyinahini are yet to be completed.But President Akufo Addo promised they would be commissioned soon.He also directed the Ministry of Finance and district assemblies to allocate the necessary funds from the common funds to the National Youth Authority under ACT 939,to ensure the timely completion of the remaining youth resource centers.
After unveiling the commemorative plaque, President Akufo Addo kicked off an official game between Ghana’s Under 20 side,the Black Satellites,and Akyem Oda-based side,Kotoku Royals,who were eliminated from the Ghana premier league last season and could be the major beneficiaries of this facility.The sporting events further marked the official opening of the facility for public use.
There were also exhibition games on the Basketball court,as well as the athletics tracks where renowned sprinter,Edwin Gadaye,competed in track events- 800m 4x100m and 100m.
The construction of these youth resource centres were initiated under the tenure of former Youth and Sports Minister,Isaac Asiamah,which included multi-sport facilities in regional locations such as Axim in the Western Region and Dunkwa Offin in the Central Region.
The completion and commissioning of these centres align with Ghana’s infrastructure development efforts,especially as the country prepares to host the 13th edition of the African Games from March 8 to March 23, 2024.
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Story by:Asack Pius |univers.ug.edu.gh
