The Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib has expressed the commitment of the Authority to support the development of sports tourism through the provision of essential sports infrastructure under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP).
The CEO was addressing constituency leaders, spectators, and the media at the commissioning of astroturf at Mamprobi in Ablekuma South constituency.
The colourful ceremony, which was attended by the Member of Parliament, Mamprobi Sempe Mantse, Assemblyman, opinion leaders, and sports enthusiasts, was accompanied by an exhibition match between Chorkor FC and Jamestown FC which ended in the home team’s loss by 5 goals to 1.
Consensus Building
The selection, completion, and commissioning of the astroturf was characterised by a consensus-building process that saw the active participation of key relevant stakeholders namely elected officials, traditional leadership, youth, and other groups within the constituency.
Recalling Parliamentary debates on the then Coastal Development Authority Bill, the Member of Parliament of Ablekuma South, Hon. Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije stated that he was “happy to be part of this commissioning today. I congratulate CODA for their good work in moving the whole constituency along in development”.
On his part, the Mamprobi Sempe Mantse, Nii Ashaley Asuku II, thanked His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for introducing the one million dollars per constituency initiative to quicken the pace of development, adding that “this new pitch will help to unearth the talents of many youths from Mamprobi and neighbouring communities.
The Assemblyman for Mamprobi, Hon. Joseph Brown urged residents to work together to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
Naming of Facility
Lawyer Jerry Ahmed, following the consensus reached by the constituency’s stakeholders, proposed the naming of the facility after national football legend Stephen “Tornado” Appiah, who was also born and bred in Chorkor in Ablekuma South.
This is in line with the sports tourism and local content objectives of the Authority to rely on the support of local assets to accelerate development.
The artificial pitch was constructed by Blaze Investment Limited.
Below are some pictures:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith