Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, paid an unannounced visit to the Borteyman Sports Complex on Monday following mounting concerns over illegal encroachment on parts of the facility’s land.
During the inspection, the Minister was visibly appalled by the scale of unauthorized construction activities taking place around the perimeter of the complex.
According to Mr. Adams, the facility sits on a 99-acre parcel of land, of which 43 acres have already been developed to host key sporting infrastructure for the 13th African Games. The remaining 53 acres, reserved for future expansion, are now at risk due to the encroachment.
In a briefing to the press after touring the facility, the Minister minced no words in his condemnation of the illegal activities.
“This land was secured from the University of Ghana by government as a national sports infrastructure asset, and no private interest will be allowed to compromise its purpose,” he asserted.
Mr. Adams contacted the Inspector-General of Police during the tour to request immediate enforcement support. Within hours, police officers were deployed to the site, halting all ongoing works and ordering construction workers to vacate the premises. Although no equipment was seized, security officials warned that any attempt to return to the site would be met with sanctions.
Mr. Adams further cautioned developers that any investments made on the land were being done at their own risk, stressing that the government would not entertain any claims or negotiations with encroachers.
“This is public property, funded with taxpayers’ money to advance sports development in this country. We will not allow any unauthorised activity to undermine the purpose for which this complex was built,” he emphasized.
The Minister also disclosed that talks were ongoing with relevant agencies to formulate a lasting plan to safeguard the remaining land from future incursions.
The Borteyman Sports Complex was one of the flagship venues for the African Games held in Ghana, and it remains a vital part of the country’s long-term sports development agenda.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Christian Kobby Quarshie
