McDan Group breaks ground for construction of GH?2m astroturf for La township

The La town park is set to be transformed into an ultra-modern astroturf by the McDan shipping of Company.

The construction of the artificial park has been awarded to the Wembley Sports Construction Company Limited and is due to be completed in four months. An estimated GH?2 million is expected to be expended on the entire project.  

The artificial grass turf is earmarked for renovation every ten years.

Excitement and a sense of gratitude are what characterized the sod-cutting ceremony Wednesday at the proposed construction site in anticipation of the grand finish of the park.

Dr. Daniel Mckorley, the Group Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, is optimistic that the astroturf will facilitate the development of more football talents for the country.

"For me, it is not about how much profit your company is making, it's the number of lives you have impacted that matters and that's what the McDan brand stands for. I expect more youths to be enthusiastic about this project and harness their football talents," he said.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah lauded the McDan Group for the initiative. He indicated that the project is in line with President Akufo-Addo's vision to have decent and modern multipurpose sports facilities across the country for sports and talent development.

"I'm calling on all MCEs [Municipal and District Chief Executives] to secure lands for sports development...our maintenance culture as a country is very bad. Look at the Accra Sports Stadium, it has not been renovated for the past nine years and it is very bad. We're developing a maintenance manual for all sports facilities in the country to ensure that they are in good shape at all times," he remarked.

The Chief Executive Officer of the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly, Glady's Mandeley said: "This turf is in honour of La's proud heritage as the cradle of legend footballers, boxers and athletes for the country. Therefore, maintain this artificial park for your own benefit and the generations yet to come."

Vincent Odotei Sowah, a Member of Parliament for the La Dadekotopon Constituency, said the project is historic and has high hopes that the likes of Black Stars players including Nii Laryea, Godwin Attram and Ben Kai will emerge from the La community again.

"This is a full-size artificial pitch. We don't have more of such pitches in the country. If we maintain it well, other football clubs could pay for its use and it will generate revenue for us," the MP assured.

To residents, the project is timely and will facilitate sports development in the area.

"I'm very proud of the McDan Group of companies for their love and support to this community, God bless them." Nii Lantey, a highly animated resident of La shared his reflection.

The project site has and continues to host the annual McDan Ga-Adangbe football competition and peace cup as well as key community events of the people of La.

The McDan group of companies is set to extend the same project to Okponglo at East Legon in the ensuing days.

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