In the last few days, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has come under serious criticism over the construction of boreholes for clubs to improve their playing pitches.
The initiative by the Ghana FA under the FIFA Forward 1.0, was to significantly improve water access to various clubs to improve their pitches across the country.
Funded by FIFA with $267,273, the initiative was to aide Premier League, Division One League, and Women’s Premier League clubs to improve their pitches to meet the minimum Club Licensing requirements with the sustainable water sources.
The boreholes, equipped with pressure pumps and poly tanks to ensure functionality, were distributed to match venues that needed improved access to water for pitch upkeep.
Among the beneficiaries were prominent football centers, such as the GFA’s own Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram, which received six boreholes, and the Kurt Okraku Technical Center in Winkogo, which received two.
Key stadiums that benefited from the initiative include the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, Sunyani Coronation Park, and Berekum’s Golden City Park. The project also extended to various regions, ensuring a nationwide impact.
sokacenta.com investigations have revealed over 60 specific locations that benefited from the borehole project.
Notable regions and locations that received boreholes include:
Upper East Region: 4 boreholes (two at Winkogo Technical Center, one at Big Boss, one at Bolga East Agric Park)
Upper West Region: 3 boreholes (Tindaanba JHS Park, WASEC, Islamic Snr. High)
Northern Region: Five boreholes (including two at Aliu Mahama Stadium)
Brong-Ahafo Region: 9 boreholes – 2 Boreholes at Sunyani Coronation Park, 1 at Nana Agyeman Badu I Park in Dormaa, 1 at Nana Ameyaw Park in Techiman, 1 at Godlen City Park in Berekum, 1 at Nana Fosu Geabour Park in Bechem, 1 at Wamanafo Park, 1 at Nkoranza Park, 1 at Wenchi Park
Ashanti Region: Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Wesley College, Kumasi Anglican SHS, and others benefited
Western Region: 3 Game Centers, Swedru Park, Duns Park Bibiani, Skyy FC Park and others
Central Region: Nduom Sports Stadium, Assasan Park in Ejumako, 3 Game Centers
Volta Region: Kpando Sports Stadium, Ho Sports Stadium, Akatsi College of Education, Agbozume Weavers Park
Greater Accra: Teshie Matts Park, Nungua Town Park, 6 at Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence
Eastern Region: Theatre of Dreams, Kotoku Royals Park, Kukurantumi Park, Akim Oda Park
This initiative is expected to greatly improve the quality of football pitches across the country, enabling clubs to maintain their playing surfaces throughout the season and improve overall performance.
The GFA’s bold step toward sustainable pitch maintenance is a commendable effort towards the development of football infrastructure in Ghana.