A group called itself the Volta Sports Crusaders has petitioned President Akufo-Addo and the Sports Ministry through the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa over the abandoned Ho Youth Resource Centre.
The group has issued a two-week ultimatum, demanding the operationalization of the facility at Adaklu.
The President of the crusaders, Forster Korsi Osei presented the petition on behalf of agitated members.
“We are heeding the call of the President to be citizens and not spectators. The Youth Resource Centre project commenced on 22nd March 2018 and was to be completed in 9 months, which did not materialize.
“It was the hope of the youth that the project will be completed and handed over for use but after more than year after the Independence Day celebration, the facility is left unattended to. Sir, the taxpayers money is flowing down the drain,” portions of the petition.
Despite spending over GH₵177 million on 10 youth resource centres in the country, only the Koforidua facility has been completed.
The facility in Ho, which was used for the Independence Day celebrations last year, is currently wasting away.
The basketball, volleyball, table tennis and handball courts are yet to be constructed.
The Youth Resource Centre which was touted as a laudable initiate to aid youth and sports development in the Volta region has become a mirage.
“Our checks indicate that the air conditioners fixed have been stolen. The ceiling at the VIP section has been ripped off. Some of the seats are getting destroyed. The poles removed for the 66th Independence Day celebration were never replaced, and they are rusty.
“The tracks have also not been fully developed. The field is overgrown with weeds and breeding reptiles. Is this not causing financial loss to the state?” the petitioners questioned.
They added the sporting season has in recent times attracted keen interest in the region, especially Ho but the lack of hosting grounds remain a challenge.
“Currently the first Division League has four teams from the region namely Hohoe United Football Club, Inter Allies Football Club, Home Stars Football Club, Akatsi All Stars Football Club. Two of these clubs thus Home Stars FC and Inter Allies will use the already deplorable Ho Sports Stadium as their Home ground. This league is to commence on 27th September 2024.
“In addition to the above Sir, 16 teams from the Volta Regional Football Association Division Two League will also use the Ho Sports Stadium aka Rice Farm. This competition will commence on 9th November 2024,” it added.
Aside from these, the group listed a number of sporting and social activities which could have been held at the facility to reduce the pressure on the Ho Sports Stadium.
The Ho Municipal Football Association will also use the same Ho Sports Stadium for the
Division Three Middle. So Hon. Minister, you can attest to the enormous pressure the Ho
Sports Stadium which is only being managed is taken through each season.
A call for the immediate use of the Youth Resource Centre will promote sports tourism
and this will tie into the current drive by your administration to bring investors into the
region in line with the “Visit Volta drive.”
“We are therefore calling on you as the representative of the President to show your commitment towards Youth and Sport development by ensuring that the Volta Youth Resource Centre is put to use on or before 30th November 2024.”
The Sports Crusaders have vowed not to relent on their request until the facility becomes fully operational.
Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job
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