Ghana’s interior minister, Ambrose Dery, has commissioned Phase One of the newly constructed Astro-turf for the Ghana Prisons Service at its Senior Correctional Centre, Roman Ridge.in Accra.
The commissioning of the project which was fully funded by the Ghana National Gas company and constructed by Wembly Sports Construction Limited had the member of Parliament of Ayawaso, Lydia Seyram Alhassan join the minister of Interior, the Director General of the Ghana Prisons service, Isaac Kofi Egyir and officials of Ghana Gas.
The first phase, which took two years to complete, will have a washroom, changing rooms and spectator stands added to it i phase two of the facility.
Reading a speech on behalf of the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the commissioning, the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Derry, said government has taken notice of the impact of astro turfs across the communities.
According to him, the Astro turf project at the Correctional Centre is one of many similar projects undertaken across the country, particularly designed to bring about a significant improvement to sports development in the country, particularly in soccer.
The project, he added, was intended to provide an opportunity for the young inmates at the Correctional Centre to showcase their talents.
“I believe that the Correctional Centre has within its walls now many Abedi Pele’s, Asamoah Gyan’s, Mohammed Kudus’ and this facility will help unearth similar talents.”
The facility he noted will also facilitate the routine needs of prison officers, their families, and sports enthusiasts within the community who had to move far to host or witness sporting activities.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Prisons, Isaac Kofi Egyir, on his part disclosed that the Centre would soon erect other facilities including changing rooms, washrooms, and spectator stand to make the facility fully complete.
A Board Member of the company, John Darko, who spoke on behalf of Dr K. D Asante, CEO, said their desire to help fund the facility was borne out of the vision to provide a recreational facility to promote rehabilitation and social integration within the correctional facility.
There was an exhibition game between male and female teams of the Ghana Prisons service, and Ghana National Gas limited after the pitch was inaugurated by the interior minister.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Benjamin Yamoah
