A GHS 7 million youth and sports facility in Navrongo remains incomplete and abandoned for nearly nine years. The project, intended to transform opportunities for young people in the Upper East Region, now shows significant deterioration.
Construction of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre began in May 2018. It was part of a nationwide initiative to build modern sports and youth development facilities. A recent site visit revealed incomplete structures, broken chairs, and fire damage.
This prolonged abandonment fits a pattern of uncompleted government projects. It also highlights infrastructure deficits in Ghana's Upper East Region. Most local football clubs still use dusty 'sakora parks' despite the region's need for better facilities. The lack of progress contradicts promises made by politicians regarding public investment in youth development.
Gideon, a young man overseeing the site, stated construction stopped due to a contractual dispute. This dispute is now before the courts, according to Gideon. Benjamin Ngoswini, CEO of Amecben Enterprise, the contractor, confirmed the legal dispute. Mr. Ngoswini declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The continued abandonment of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre has significant implications. It represents a loss of GHS 7 million in public funds. It also denies young people in the Upper East Region access to vital sports facilities and skills training. This situation further undermines public trust in government project delivery. Decision-makers must resolve the legal and contractual issues to complete the project. Failure to do so will leave a visible reminder of unfulfilled promises and missed development opportunities.
The facility was initially expected to be completed within nine months. It was designed to include a FIFA standard 5,000 capacity football stadium. Other planned features included an eight-lane athletics track, ICT and entrepreneurship centres. Career development facilities, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts were also part of the design. The centre was meant to serve as a major hub for sports, skills development, and youth empowerment. However, nearly nine years later, this vision remains unfulfilled. The deterioration of partially completed structures shows the cost of inaction. Residents and sports enthusiasts continue to express concern about the value for money invested. They also highlight the long delay in project completion. During a campaign visit, then Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia assured residents the facility would be completed. This was before the 2024 general election. The election has passed, but the project remains abandoned. This raises questions about accountability and commitment to regional development. Stakeholders are urging all parties involved to resolve the outstanding issues. The completion of this centre is vital for talent development, skills training, and employment. It symbolizes hope for youth in northern Ghana.