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President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned a 500-seat AstroTurf stadium at the Accra University for Professional Studies (UPSA).
Addressing a mini-durbar on the UPSA campus on Friday, the president said his government, through the Ministries of Education and Sports, is committed to promoting sport within educational circles and fully supports any initiative aimed at achieve this goal.
President Akufo-Addo believes that the provision of sports infrastructure in communities and educational institutions is essential to harness the talents and catapult the nation to regain its status as a sports giant on the African continent.
“Providing the necessary infrastructure for this purpose is essential for our nation to regain its pride and place in sports on the continent and in the world,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo commended the UPSA management for the monumental infrastructure and ongoing projects found throughout the campus.
“I have been impressed by the significant infrastructure developments at UPSA and the constant efforts of the administration to transform this University into a world-class, cutting edge institution,” he said.
The vice-rector of the UPSA, Prof. Abednego FO Amartey expressed the gratitude of the University to the Rector for his frequent visits to the institution, describing them as “historical”.
“This is his third visit to the University for Professional Studies,” said Professor Amartey.
“Our university is the only university that he has visited three times during his presidency and we are very honored. This is truly historic and we are very grateful for your participation in this project from start to finish. “
In July 2019, the president cut the grass for the construction of the sports facility, which was funded with funds generated internally by the University.
Professor Okoe Amartey noted that the construction of the AstroTurf stadium is in line with the administration’s vision of harnessing the sporting potential of students and encouraging people with sporting talents to make UPSA a learning institution of choice.
He revealed that even though the facility is located in the UPSA facilities, it would be open to the community for the identification and development of hidden talent that may one day reach the top and bring laurels to the country.
The 500-seat fenced stadium comprises an artificial soccer field, spectator stands (including a VIP seating area), changing rooms, restrooms, storage space and artificial lighting. It also has offices for the University Sports Directorate.
The stadium was built by Wembley Sports Construction Company Ltd at a cost of ¢ 3,888,016.
