Sports Minister Kofi Adams Inspects Essipong Stadium, Warns Land Encroachment Threatens Expansion
Minister urges Regional Coordinating Council and traditional authorities to protect lands reserved for stadium expansion
- Sports Minister raises concern over land encroachment threatening Essipong Stadium expansion
- Stadium roofing and scoreboard complete, but pitch and facilities need urgent attention
- Minister urges authorities to protect reserved lands and consider phase three improvements
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams Iddi, has raised serious concerns about land encroachment around Essipong Sports Stadium, warning that unauthorized occupation of adjoining areas threatens future expansion and development plans.
During a site inspection with officials from the Ministry, the National Sports Authority, and other stakeholders, the minister noted that portions of land earmarked for future sporting infrastructure are being occupied by private individuals.
He urged the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional authorities to intervene promptly to safeguard the lands allocated for the project.
Hon. Adams Iddi praised the progress made so far, explaining that the project is divided into two phases, with phase one pending the completion of phase two before final touches can be applied.
He highlighted that the stadium’s roofing is complete, the scoreboard installed, and work on the floodlights and washrooms ongoing.
However, he expressed concern about the pitch, which falls outside both phases. The turf has been overrun by invasive weeds and unsuitable grass, rendering it unfit for football.
The minister emphasized the importance of completing these structures to promote sports development and generate revenue. He also revealed that consultants have submitted IPCs for review, with additional improvements under consideration in a proposed phase three to bring the stadium fully up to standard.
