President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned a 500-seat capacity AstroTurf stadium at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Addressing a mini durbar at the UPSA campus on Friday, the President said his government, through the Education and Sports Ministries, is committed to promoting sports within the educational circles and is fully supportive of any initiatives aimed at achieving this objective.

President Akufo-Addo believes the provision of sports infrastructure across communities and educational institutions is instrumental to harnessing talents and catapulting the nation into regaining its status as a sporting giant on the African continent.

“The provision of the requisite infrastructure to this end is critical if our nation is to regain its pride and place in sports on the continent and in the world,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo commended the Management of UPSA for the monumental infrastructure and ongoing projects dotted around the campus.

“I’ve been impressed by the major infrastructural developments at UPSA and the consistent efforts of management to engender the transformation of this University into a state-of-the-art world-class institution,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego F. O. Amartey expressed the University’s gratitude to the President for his frequent visits to the institution describing them as “historic”.

“This is your third visit to the University of Professional Studies,” Prof Amartey said.

“Our university is the only university you have visited three times during your presidency and we are most humbled. This is historic indeed and we are extremely grateful for your involvement in this project from start to finish.”

In July last 2019, the President cut the sod for the construction of the sports facility which was funded through the University’s internally generated funds.

Prof. Okoe Amartey pointed out that the construction of the AstroTurf stadium falls in line with Management’s vision to harness the sporting potential of the students and encourage individuals with sporting talents to make UPSA a learning institution of choice.

He revealed that even though the facility is located on the UPSA premises, it would be open to the community for the identification and development of the hidden talent who may, one day, rise to the top and bring laurels to the country.

The 500-seat capacity fenced stadium comprises an artificial football pitch, spectator stands (including a VIP seating area), changing rooms, washroom facilities, storage space and flood lighting. It also has offices for the Sports Directorate of the University.

The stadium was constructed by the Wembley Sports Construction Company Ltd at a cost of ¢3,888,016.