The echoes of cheers from the past have now evolved into a symphony of opportunities for the future. The journey from a football stadium to the newly reborn Youth Resource Center has been nothing short of a labor of love, driven by the vision to create a hub that transcends the boundaries of sport, embracing the holistic development of the youth in the Eastern Region. The grand unveiling of Youth Resource Center, a phoenix risen from the historic grounds of what was once a celebrated football stadium.
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the esteemed President of the Republic of Ghana, inaugurated the Youth Resource Center in Koforidua, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to empowering its youth through sports development. This center, part of a larger initiative involving the construction of ten Youth Resource Centers across the country, stands as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to nurturing the talents and ambitions of its young population.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the pivotal role this edifice would play in training and developing the youth of the Eastern Region who aspire to excel in sports. The facility, formerly known as the Koforidua Sports Stadium, underwent extensive refurbishment to emerge as a multi-purpose youth center boasting a five-thousand-seat stand Football Stadium, VIP stand, Information and Communication Technology Center (ICT), tennis court, restaurant, running tracks, counseling and career center, and a press box.
Honorable Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, expressed gratitude on behalf of the region for the provision of such a state-of-the-art sporting and recreational facility.
Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, highlighted the positive impact the center would have on the physical and mental well-being of the youth in the Eastern Region.
Bawa Fusieni, the President of the Ghana Athletics Association, emphasized the responsibility of the beneficiaries – the youth in the Region – to utilize the center effectively, enhancing both their physical prowess and technological education.
The momentous occasion culminated in the unveiling of the facility’s plaque by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, supported by dignitaries including Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, and Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association.
To celebrate this inauguration, a football match ensued between Akyem Oda Kotoku Royals and the Black Satellites (Ghana U-20 National Team).
The event drew scores of spectators, including representatives from the Ghana Supporters Union and other Football Fun Clubs, underscoring the collective enthusiasm and support for this remarkable endeavor in youth development through sports in Ghana.
This is more than just a sports center; it’s a haven for aspiring athletes, a sanctuary for teamwork and perseverance, and a catalyst for personal growth. The Center’s commitment to the community extends beyond the boundaries of the playing field, as it is aimed to create an environment where young minds can flourish, dreams can take root, and the spirit of camaraderie can thrive.