The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has commissioned and handed over the newly constructed Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema New Town to the Tema Traditional Council.

The commissioning, which was done by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah is at cost of GHS 4,066,102.19.

The world class astro-turf football playing field forms part of the corporate social responsibility of the Port Authority.

The facility comprises a with sufficient illumination for night games, a spectators stand, a multipurpose court for volley and basketball, tennis lawn, changing rooms, washrooms, and a children’s playground.

Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah said the facility will go a long way to inject additional impetus into the Tema Newtown community and also become a catalyst that will enhance the quality of life of the people, especially the youth.

“I am also aware that the Authority has invested in the renovation of educational facilities for some schools in Tema and donated educational materials to schools across the country, from Tema through the middle belt all the way to the northern regions. These are deliberate efforts and initiatives by a government agency aimed at enhancing the lives of Ghanaians and such efforts must be lauded and encouraged,” he said.

He stated that the quest to address youth un-employment and other youth related issues led to the creation of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) and the National Youth Authority (NYA) amongst others.

He entreated other public sector agencies to emulate the example of GPHA by reaching out to communities in their operational areas and lending support to them.

“This way, we will be taking care of the social needs of the people, while taking some of the burden off the shoulders of government,” he said.

The Director General of GPHA, Mr. Michael Luguje said the facility should serve as a uniting factor in the community where people are seen engaging in various sporting activities to keep fit and to bond.

“We are of the view that this facility will be beneficial to this community and will help in no small measure to shape and empower the youth as far as raising responsible young people for our country is concerned,” he said.

He said knowing that the cost of maintenance will be borne by the Traditional Council and the community, eight shops were additionally included in the project design to enable the rental and associated revenue serve as a source of funds for the management and maintenance of the complex.

“We also expect that the council will institute managers of the facility who will introduce a reasonable user fee for persons and organizations who will request to use the facility. These fees we believe will also help in maintaining the facility for future users,” he averred.

The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Yohanes Amarh Ashitey commended the GPHA for the construction of the sports complex and added that it will be well maintained.