President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has officially opened the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre in the capital of the Eastern Region, Koforidua.
This center is part of a broader initiative, including the construction of 10 youth resource centers nationwide.
In keeping with his commitment to advancing youth and sports development in Ghana, President Akufo Addo highlighted the project’s significance. The renovation, initiated by former Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah in March 2018, has resulted in notable additions, such as a 5000-seater stand, basketball and volleyball courts, a lawn tennis court, and running tracks.
The facility now boasts a press box, VIP stand, ICT lab, restaurant, counseling, and career centers. A representative group from the Ghana Athletics Association, drawn from Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Wa, engaged in various sporting disciplines as part of preparations for the upcoming 2024 Athletic season.
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. He 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, ensuring 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 Kotoku Royals, marking the facility’s official opening to the public.
Bawa Fusieni, President of the Ghana Athletics Association, emphasized the facility’s importance in nurturing talent for the athletics body. Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, described the facility as a haven and recreational space for young people.
During the commissioning, Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong expressed excitement about the facility’s presence, underscoring its vital role in youth development. Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Yussif praised President Akufo Addo’s dedication to sports and the administration’s efforts to enhance sporting facilities nationwide.
