The Director General of the National Lottery Authority and New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Akuapim South constituency in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, has officially broken ground for the reconstruction of Mampong Coronation Park.

Upon completion, the facility will feature a FIFA-standard football pitch measuring 96 by 66 meters. 

The project will also include 400 spectator seats and VIP sections for esteemed dignitaries, including revered traditional leaders.

In addition, the contractor plans to add dressing rooms for both the host and visiting teams. Four giant floodlights will be installed at each corner of the pitch to facilitate night games, and the entire area will be enclosed with panel mesh fencing to enhance security and restrict unauthorised access.

The estimated cost of the project is about four million Ghana cedis, with a projected completion timeline of three months.

Speaking to newsmen moments after the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Sammy Awuku explained that the reconstruction was undertaken in response to a special request from traditional leaders to modernise the pitch and improve recreational facilities for the Mampong community. 

He also urged the contractor to adhere to the project schedule.

Historically, the Mampong and Sunyani Coronation Parks are among the only football pitches built by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in the district capitals to promote football programmes.

According to the Okyeame of Mampong, the Mampong Coronation Park served as a training ground for the Black Stars and was the last pitch they used before winning the African Cup of Nations in 1982.