Sports Minister-designate Mustapha Ussif Promises To Build More Astro-turfs

Sports Minister-designate, Mustapha Ussif, has promised to construct more astro-turfs in his tenure as Sports Minister.

He made this revelation at his vetting when he appeared before Parliament's Appointment Committee.

The NPP’s biggest impact on the sporting front in President Akufo-Addo’s first term was the construction of over 65 synthetic pitches across the country. Adopting the 'One constituency One Astro-turf project' by Wembley Sports Construction, the government bought into the idea and through the Ministry of Inner-City and Zongo Development, Ghana Gas, GNPC and other agencies facilitated the construction of these pitches across Ghana.

The remarkable works in the area of sports infrastructure has earned the admiration of many Ghanaians including some key members of the largest opposition party. It was no surprise when the Minority Leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu during the vetting of the Sports Minister-designate for Youth and Sports expressed concern over the expansion of the artificial pitches to constituencies that are yet to benefit.

The Member of Parliament(MP) for Yagaba-Kubor in his response explained that the artificial turfs is the way to go as it will help in the discovery and development of talents.

“Given the opportunity, I will liaise with agencies and corporate Ghana to see to it that if we have to revive the inter schools and inter community sports festivals then we will need these facilities to be able to do so," he stated.

Hon. Mustapha Ussif, also assured the Vetting Committee that he will work harder to construct astro-turfs in all the 275 constituencies as he responded to a remark by the minority leader that there was a discriminatory approach to the One Constituency One Astro-Turf Project with only NPP strong holds benefiting in the first four year period.

“If resources are available, we will try to get astro-turfs for every constituency so that the vision of getting inter schools and community sports festivals will be realized . . ." he reiterated.

The Minister-designate for Youth and Sports awaits his confirmation from parliament.