By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Sept. 23, GNA – Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, has raised concerns about the increasing conversion of natural grass playing fields and green recreational spaces into artificial turf facilities.
He warned of possible consequences for the environment, public health and athlete development.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 14th edition of the Ghana Garden and Flower Show on Monday, Mr Adams said Ghana must be cautious not to lose its green spaces in the quest to expand sports infrastructure.
This year’s event was on the theme: “Green Means Business, Beauty and More.”
Artificial turf, commonly referred to as Astroturf, is a synthetic surface made from plastic fibres designed to resemble natural grass.
Originally developed for sports facilities, it is widely used for football pitches, hockey fields, school playgrounds and recreational parks because it can withstand heavy use and requires less watering and mowing than natural grass.
In Ghana, astroturf facilities have become increasingly popular over the past decade as governments, local authorities, corporate organisations, and Members of Parliament have invested in community football pitches to promote grassroots sports development.
The Sports Minister noted that natural grass fields played an important environmental role by helping to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality, particularly in sporting venues that attracted large crowds.
Mr Adams said the trend of converting parks and playing fields into astroturfs should prompt a national conversation about balancing sports development with environmental sustainability.
The Minister observed that many natural playing fields had been replaced with artificial surfaces over the years, a development he believed required careful consideration.
“Just count the number of fields that have been destroyed and turned into astroturfs, and you know the damage we are doing to ourselves,” he stated.
Mr Adams, therefore, called for greater efforts to preserve natural grass fields and recreational green spaces across the country, saying they formed an important part of Ghana’s environmental and wellness infrastructure.
He also expressed concern about the possible effect of poor-quality artificial pitches on athletes, particularly young footballers.
He said some sports injuries could be linked to prolonged use of hard playing surfaces.
Mr Adams urged policymakers, local authorities, sports administrators and communities to work together to protect green spaces while pursuing sports infrastructure development.
He said maintaining such spaces would contribute to healthier lifestyles, environmental protection and sustainable urban growth.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Email: [email protected]