The construction of an ultra-modern astroturf sports complex at Agogo Zongo in the Ashanti Region has been met with excitement by residents and traditional leaders.

The Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Akuoku Sarpong is grateful to President Akufo-Addo for the facility.

The sports centre is geared towards providing an opportunity for the teeming youth of Agogo Zongo and its environs to harness their potential.

School blocks, street lights, and a 1.5 kilometre road are among projects being undertaken by the ZoDF in the community.

Nana Akuoku Sarpong was Minister for Health, Minister for Internal Affairs and Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs under the PNDC/NDC administration.

However, he was glad that President Akufo-Addo looked beyond his political affiliation to bring development projects to his traditional area.

“President Akufo-Addo knows that I am NDC but he has given me an astroturf. Let him know that the parcel he has delivered through you, I have received it and am grateful”, he said.

The renowned traditional ruler and lawyer, who is a stalwart of the NDC and who served in various ministerial and other high profile positions made this known to the Chief Executive Officer of the ZoDF, Dr. Arafat Sulemana Abdulai.

He further conferred the onerous title of ‘Obrempong’ on Dr. Abdulai.

The conferment which was witnessed by some traditional rulers, sub-chiefs, Zongo Chiefs, Imams among others ensued at the Omanhene’s palace in Agogo on January 1, 2022.

In his response, Dr Arafat thanked the Omanhene and the people of Agogo for the honour done him with the conferment of the enviable title on him.

He expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for allowing him to serve with financial and moral support.

Dr Arafat pledged to continue to offer his best, through the ZoDF, to propel socio-economic development in Zongo communities in the country.

Dr. Arafat Sulemana Abdulai has been widely recognized for his immense leadership, commitment and dedication to Zongos communities.

In 2020, the Ghana Leadership Awards (GLA) recognised the ZoDF boss as ‘CEO of the Year’.

 Last year, he was presented with the prestigious ‘Ghana Order of Merit award in recognition of his selfless and relentless pursuit of development in Zongo communities.

He also took the “Community Leadership” award for his achievements in the advancement of education, health and economic empowerment.