Minerals Commission and POJOBA Unveil New Sports Facilities in Ahafo and Eastern Regions

Ghana’s sports infrastructure landscape has received a significant boost following the commissioning of a GH₵28 million multipurpose complex in the Ahafo Region and a refurbished basketball facility in the Eastern Region. These developments, driven by a mix of mineral revenue investment and alumni-led initiatives, highlight a growing commitment to fostering youth talent and physical well-being through high-quality sports environments across the country.

In Kenyasi, the Minerals Commission officially launched a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to serve communities impacted by Newmont Ahafo South Mine operations. The GH₵28 million facility features a standard AstroTurf football pitch, a Tartan athletics track, and dedicated infrastructure for media and spectators. Speaking at the ceremony, Minerals Commission CEO Isaac Tandoh emphasized that the project serves as a tangible demonstration of the social benefits derived from mining activities. Deputy Minister Dr. Yussif Sulemana further noted that legislative efforts are underway to ensure mineral revenues are increasingly earmarked for the welfare of host communities, a sentiment echoed by Ahafo Regional Minister Charity Gardiner, who lauded the complex as a hub for future talent discovery.

Simultaneously, the 2016 year group of the Pope John Old Boys’ Association (POJOBA) celebrated their alma mater’s 68th anniversary by handing over a refurbished basketball court to Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua. The project involved comprehensive surface repairs, new fencing, and upgraded seating arrangements to improve the school's historic basketball program. In addition to the physical upgrades, the alumni provided new jerseys for the school team. Year group president Abdul Samed Yussif underscored the importance of alumni giving back, stating that the project aims to sustain the school’s competitive edge in the sport while providing better facilities for the student body and the local community.

These two projects reflect a multifaceted approach to sports development in Ghana, where government-linked commissions and private citizen groups are stepping in to fill infrastructure gaps. While the Kenyasi complex provides a large-scale venue for regional athletics and football, the POJOBA initiative demonstrates how targeted alumni support can revitalize specialized sporting traditions in educational institutions. Together, these investments signal a move toward more sustainable sports management that relies on community engagement and corporate social responsibility to empower the next generation of Ghanaian athletes.