The Effiekuma AstroTurf has been in a deplorable state for sometime
An Astroturf facility in Effiakuma, Takoradi, in the Western Region has been submerged following torrential rains in the area.
The artificial pitch, constructed by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) in 2018 to harness football talent in the Effiakuma constituency, has been plagued by drainage problems since its inception.
According to myjoyonline.com, construction of the facility officially began in 2018, with Ghana Gas cutting the sod for the project, reportedly at a cost of $200,000.
A viral video showed residents, mostly children and teenagers, swimming in the pitch-turned-pool, while others continued to play football in the flooded facility.
The video was first shared on Facebook by David Tetteh Botchway, a retired footballer.
Despite the significant investment, the facility has failed to withstand heavy rainfall, raising serious concerns about its design and maintenance.
This has led many residents in the constituency to question the facility’s durability.
People have taken to social media to express frustration and disappointment, with one user commenting, “It’s a shame that a facility built from the public purse can’t withstand a little rain, another waste of taxpayers’ money.”
The Effiakuma Astroturf incident highlights the urgent need for proper design, construction, and maintenance of sports facilities to ensure they are resilient to the elements and provide safe, functional spaces for athletes.
SB/MA
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with former Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway
