Old boys of Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast have cut the sod for the construction of a ¢1 million basketball arena for the school.

The project delivery is one of the major highlights of the annual Mfantsipim Speech and Prize-Giving Celebrations where sponsoring year groups collectively undertake a project aimed at solving an existing problem or enhancing the quality of life of the staff and students of the School.

Chairman of the 2020 Sponsoring Year Groups (MOBA 70, 80, 90 and 2000) steering committee, Brigadier General Prah, says the sponsoring year groups find it gratifying to undertake a project that would not only unearth talents but also put smiles on the faces of staff and students of the school.

“It is worth noting that this is the first project in the sports complex, as the NEC (National Executive Council) expects subsequent Sponsoring Year Groups (SYGs) to follow suit,” he explained.

He emphasized that the MOBA 90s came back to the committee with a proposal for a Basketball Arena, with ancillaries called Frills (a basketball court with spectator stands and changing rooms, within the sports complex) as the project by the 90s SYGs for this year’s Speech and Prize-Giving Day.

Despite the challenges, he explains, the GHS1 million project will be completed by end of October 2020 and is expected to be commissioned during the 144^th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the school to be held on the 14^th of November, 2020 as tradition demands.

“The project, we believe, will enhance the school’s participation in the National Sprite Basket Competitions, of which the school has won 5 times and produced great athletes in that sport,” he averred.

The edifice will boast, among others, a standard basketball court, capable of hosting any local and international event, a 400-seater stand, two sets of changing rooms and washrooms for officials and referees.

“This is our contribution in honour of all these great athletes that the school has produced and continue to develop nationally and globally.

Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, a former tutor of the school, assured the old boys government would continue to support schools like Mfantsipim to do exploits both locally and internationally.

Headmaster of Mfantsipim School, Rev. Ebenezer Kobina Aidoo, thanked the Old boys and promised them to provide the needed support towards the completion of the project.