UER pushes for revival of abandoned Bolgatanga Sports Stadium

The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has proposed a plan to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and Ghana Gas Company to revive the long-abandoned Bolgatanga Sports Stadium. This initiative aims to fill the void left by the absence of a standard sports facility in the region, offering opportunities for youth development, talent identification, and sports promotion.

Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Akamugri Donatus Atanga, announced this during a citizen engagement session, as part of President John Dramani Mahama's "Resetting Ghana Agenda" tour of the region.

The Bolgatanga Sports Stadium project has been on the drawing board for over five decades, but construction was halted, leaving the structure incomplete. It currently features a perimeter wall but remains untransformed into a fully functional stadium. This has significantly hindered the performance of football clubs in the region, as they often have to rely on the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale or travel to Bono East region facilities for competitions.

The lack of a home ground has imposed financial burdens on clubs through additional costs like transportation, accommodation, and venue-related expenses. Moreover, it has limited their ability to generate revenue from match-day activities and engage their local fan base. By developing the stadium, the RCC hopes to provide a permanent home for football clubs, foster sports talent growth, and create opportunities for young people in the Upper East Region.

Completion of the facility could also make sports development in the region more robust, providing a standard venue for football, athletics, boxing, and other sporting disciplines. It is also anticipated to decrease operational costs for local clubs and position the region as a host for national and regional sporting events, stimulating economic activity and job creation.