A new community Astroturf has been constructed for the people of Agona in the Ashanti region to discover and nurture their football talent.

The facility has floodlights to allow for nighttime play to provide local football talent with the opportunity to perfect their abilities on conventional playing fields in order to maximize their potential.

The facility was officially handed over to the GNPC foundation, which then released it to the Sekyere South District Assembly to manage its use.

Mr Eddie Dankwa, Chief Operating Officer of BLAG Ghana, who constructed the Astroturf, regretted the negative impact of COVID-19 on the artificial grass business, stating the pandemic slowed the industry's expansion.

Mr Dankwa indicated that the market had developed rapidly in recent years, but that the emergence of COVID-19 slowed things down including funding.

He stated that it was difficult to secure funds for such projects, especially after submitting a bill, and by the time the contract was ready, circumstances had changed.

He did, however, express optimism that the gradual restoration of sporting activities will result in an improvement in market conditions next year.

BLAG Ghana has inaugurated 39 Astroturf facilities in Ghana, the most noteworthy of which being Apenkwa in Accra and Beposo in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region.

The Apenkwa Community Park, developed by the GNPC, was handed over to the community in March, ahead of Beposo's in April.

Additional projects include the Mfantsipim School turf, the Manhyia Konadu Yiadom Park, the Asonomaso turf, and the New Takoradi Park.

Lubaabat Jawulaa, Head of Environment & Social Amenities at the GNPC Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the project and stated that maintenance is vital to guarantee that the facility lasts for future generations.

“The challenge is maintenance. These are legacy projects and we are hoping that, beneficiaries should maintain for the years to come, it would still be standard,” she indicated.

She stated that the foundation would continue to influence lives via football as long as the country produced oil and gas and generated revenue.

“The motive is to develop young talents to become the Messi and Pele in the country.”