The Municipal Chief Executive for Ahanta West, Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo, has clarified that the only budgetary allocation for a sporting facility in the capital, Agona Nkwanta, is a FIFA-standard pitch with a changing room.
He explained that the idea of a mini stadium, as promised by the Member of Parliament for the area, Kuukua Bissue, though laudable, could strain the assembly’s resources.
Earlier this month, it was speculated that the assembly has not been supportive of the development of a mini stadium proposed by the Member of Parliament. This new information, as provided by the MCE, dispels any misconception associated with that claim.
Speaking exclusively to Media General’s Takoradi-based radio station, Connect 97.1 FM, Mr. Aidoo intimated that the mini stadium could be considered in the future as an upgrade of the yet-to-be-constructed football pitch. He added that the assembly approved in its 2026 budget an allocation for the development of the standard pitch.
“As it stands now, the assembly has not budgeted for any mini stadium. What we have budgeted for is a standard FIFA pitch with floodlights and a changing room. And all this is to be catered for by the assembly’s Common Fund.
“The Sports Minister on his visit to the municipality last year was notified about plans to develop a stadium for our local teams and the youth. So, we are hopeful that when funds are available, this project will be considered,” he added.
The MCE continued that the only obstacle to the project is a dispute surrounding the ownership of the land earmarked for the project. He disclosed that there are two factions claiming ownership, a matter he added has been forwarded to the Lands Commission for investigation and advice.
“Work on that pitch would have started long ago if not for the dispute surrounding the ownership of the land. There are two families making a claim for it, so we’ve engaged the Lands Commission to investigate and confirm who owns the title to the land.
“We expect to have feedback from the Lands Commission so we can initiate the necessary processes, and then the project will take off,” Mr. Aidoo explained.
Learning from this incident, the Assembly has resolved to document and register all of its properties to avert any future litigation. That process, according to the MCE, has been prioritized for completion this year.
By Abraham Mensah
