Honourable Patricia Appiagyei joined by chiefs, opinion leaders and stakeholders of football in the Asokwa constituency have handed over an AstroTurf pitch to the Municipal to inspire developing footballers for the nation.

The initiative was undertaken by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation as part of its corporate social responsibility to support communities in areas of need through making available infrastructures for the comforting nurturing of talents and assurance of lives.

According to the contractor, BLAAG Ghana Limited, the pitch is the biggest in Kumasi and it's of the highest FIFA certification.

He revealed that it could serve for more than a decade if maintenance culture is upheld.

“The project was awarded to us (BLAAG Ghana Limited) by GNPC and we were given eight months to finish working on the project. It's such an opportunity to finally do the hand over to GNPC for the community.

“This is the biggest pitch in Kumasi as compared to Ash town, Asawase, Krofrom and others. It's of FIFA standard and of the highest FIFA certification. The products used came from our partners, Greenfield in Holland and everything we do conform to international standard.

“Maintenance culture is our biggest challenge. If we maintain it well, we can enjoy it for more than 10 years.”

Honourable Patricia Appiagyei briefing the press reflected on how football is transforming lives, and the necessity for the younger ones to be nurtured to fulfil their talents locally and international.

As a fan of the game, she informed that Asokwa boasts of gracious football abilities and there was the need to provide them with the platform to be shaped for the future.

READ ALSO:

GNPC Foundation supports the Onoo-Ahodwo Community to construct six-classroom block and a borehole

“We know very well that soccer has changed destines. If we look at the current soccer performance of our country, you realise there’s a missing link and that is why we must develop the young ones right from infancy to become stars in the future. 

“I had intended to develop the natural grass for one of the communities but it didn’t work so I felt the need to use the current technology that is, AstroTurf to assist my constituency.

“We want to develop the youth to ensure that Asokwa nurtures the soccer stars.

She encouraged that stands are required to be built to accommodate people at the venue to support players during games.

“One of the things to move us forward is to build stands, washroom ad toilet to take care of such needs. The size is very close to cluster of school’s because I want to develop talented and educated stars hence the siting.”

She called unto people in charge to make sure that the facility is kept ship-shape to meet the maintenance agreement of GNPC.

“GNPC doesn’t just donate. They have maintenance agreement contract we need to adhere and that will compel the municipality to adopt the right committee for the maintenance and welfare of the pitch.

“We need to appreciate and value what we have now in order to keep it active. We need to have partnership with the traditional chief municipality and the people at large who will be playing on the field to ensure that we maintain it well and make sure we have this pitch for more than 20 years.”