Effia gets another AstroTurf field: MP Joseph Cudjoe and Ghana Gas break ground for ‘Akutufum’ park’s transformation

In a joint effort between the three-term Member of Parliament for Effia Constituency, Joseph Cudjoe, and the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of the construction of an artificial football pitch at Effia (Akutufum) Park.

Joseph Cudjoe, also the Minister for Public Enterprises, aims to boost sports infrastructure development and nurture football talents within the constituency through this project. The initiative, financed by Ghana Gas Company, involves the creation of an 11-aside field with additional facilities to accommodate various events.

In an interview with the media, Mr Cudjoe emphasized the importance of addressing talent shortages in the country by providing standard training fields. He highlighted the potential impact on the performance of the national football team, citing instances of talent from his constituency earning call-ups to the Black Stars.

“This is a sod cutting program to construct an artificial football turf at Effia park. We want to convert this into a modern field to help support the nurturing of talents in the constituency. This is been financed by Ghana Gas Company. I haven’t averted myself to the contract sum…it is going to be a 11-aside field. I’m envisaging other auxiliary works to accommodate other ceremonies.”

“We keep complaining about the performance of the Blackstars, my true opinion is that we have a talent shortage problem because there aren’t enough standard fields to train and get the talents we need in the country. Even though we haven’t gone far, I have seen a talent get a call-up to the Blackstars from my constituency. I’m here to create the avenue where talents will train and be developed”, he stressed.

Responding to critics suggesting the project is politically motivated ahead of the January 27 parliamentary primaries, Joseph Cudjoe clarified that the endeavor had been in progress for nearly five years.

“I have used almost 5 years to chase this project. It is Ghana Gas’ prerogative to commence this year. This has nothing to do with the forth-coming parliamentary primaries -so that argument that I’m doing this for the elections doesn’t add up.”

The Western Regional head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Francis Augustus Badu, affirmed the company’s commitment to community development and stated that the project would commence and conclude within two months if logistical preparations align.

“It is one of the objectives of Ghana Gas to provide CSR projects within communities in the country. Hon. Joseph Cudjoe is one of the many MPs who have applied and because of his lobbying skills, he’s been able to get it.”

“This shouldn’t take us more than two months to commence and complete, if all logistics are ready”, he added.

The joint effort between the MP and Ghana Gas promises not only a modern football turf but also a transformative sports space for nurturing talents in Effia Constituency.