By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu,
Anloga (V/R), Aug. 7, GNA – Ghana Exim Bank has commissioned a newly constructed astro turf facility at Hogbe Park in Anloga in the Volta Region as part of activities marking its 10th anniversary.
The project forms part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment and community development.
The ultra-modern facility, built to international standards, has been named the Awoamefia Togbui Sri III Astro Turf Park in honour of the Overlord of Anlo State in recognition of his role in facilitating the project.
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Deputy Chief Executive of Ghana Exim Bank, said at the commissioning ceremony that the completion of the facility marked a significant milestone in the Bank’s efforts to support community development.
He noted that the project was not merely a ceremonial undertaking but a deliberate investment in a community that had long lacked a modern facility capable of supporting competitive football and organised sporting activities.
Mr Mensah said the old Hogbe Park had served the community for decades, hosting football matches, social events and activities associated with the Hogbetsotso Festival, but had become inadequate as sporting standards evolved.
He said the proposal for the astro turf project was carefully assessed by the Bank and found to be credible.
“The old playing field, formerly known as Hogbe Park, holds decades of memory for the community, including games, events and gatherings, Hogbetsotso festival, had outgrown its usefulness as sporting standards evolved which necessitated the modern replacement,” he said.
Mr Mensah explained that the facility would support year-round sporting activities regardless of weather conditions, reduce maintenance costs associated with natural grass pitches, and provide a suitable venue for training programmes, tournaments and inter-community competitions.
He announced the establishment of a management committee to oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, stressing that effective governance was essential to ensuring its sustainability.
According to him, a well-managed sports facility could generate revenue, create employment opportunities for ground staff, administrators, security personnel and vendors, and attract visitors whose spending would contribute to the local economy.
He said the facility would also provide the youth with a structured environment to develop their sporting talents.
“The Ghana Exim Bank’s mandate extended beyond financing physical structures to fostering productive economic activity, a well-managed sports facility could generate revenue, create employment for groundkeepers, administrators, security personnel and vendors, and attract visiting teams and officials whose spending would benefit the local economy.”
Mr Mensah added that the facility would also provide young people in Anloga with a structured, organised outlet for their sporting talents, adding that, “such interventions built discipline, foster positive association, and channelled youthful energy into productive pursuits.”
Mr Mensah, however, cautioned that the Bank’s commitment did not end with the commissioning, adding that Ghana Exim Bank would continue to monitor the use of the facility.
He expressed the expectation that the management committee would maintain proper records and ensure responsible access to preserve the facility for future generations.
In a remark, Togbui Sri III on behalf of the chiefs, queen mothers and people of Anlo Dukor, expressed gratitude to the Board, Management and staff of Ghana Exim Bank for selecting Anloga to benefit from the CSR project.
He described the facility as a transformative development that had turned the old park into a modern recreational centre where young people could nurture their sporting talents and aspire to excel in sports.
Togbui Sri III commended all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project and pledged, together with the traditional leadership, to ensure its proper maintenance.
Madam Sandra Seyram Kpedor, District Chief Executive for Anloga, described the astro turf project as a major investment in youth development, sports and community growth.
She expressed confidence that the facility would provide a platform for young people to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations.
The Bank also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, regional and district authorities, contractors, technical personnel and the people of Anloga for their support during the implementation of the project.
Some residents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency thanked the Bank for the initiative and commended Mr Mensah, a native of the area, for his contribution towards bringing the project to Anlo.
The colourful ceremony was attended by Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo, other chiefs and queen mothers of the Anlo Traditional Council, officials of Ghana Exim Bank, representatives of the Anloga and Keta Municipal Assemblies, and invited guests.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah