Minister of Inner City and Zongo Development Mustapha Abdul Hamid on Thursday afternoon cut sod for the construction of an Astro turf at Akurem a suburb of Asawasi constituency in the Ashanti region.

The construction of the artificial turf is part of the infrastructure enhancement and social development program by the newly formed Zongo ministry and inner cities development in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The ceremony was attended by the Regional Chief Imam Abdul Mumun Harun together with his deputy Imam Zakari.

Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive(MCE) Honourable Alidu Seidu was also in attendance as well several religious leaders and NPP executives of the constituency.

Speaking to the media before the groundbreaking and sod Cutting, Mustapha Hamid explained that the project if completed will serve as a rally point for all the people in the constituency especially the people of Akurem and it environs.

“We are here to cut sod for the construction of Astro turf in the Asawasi constituency. The project will include an Astro turf pitch, changing room, wash rooms spectators stands, basketball court, store room amd oter facilities.

“We understand the park is also use as an Eid ground, by completing this project , the prayers will no longer be done on dust ground but rather beautiful grass turf” He said.

“It is our hope that, the project if properly managed will help develop the necessary sports talents and foster unity amongst the different ethnic groups living in and around the area and also improve upon the economy of the area” he stressed.

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid ended by adding that more of these facilities will be built in collaboration with Ministry of Youth and Sports across the Zongo communities of the country this year to help develop talents among the increasing unemployed youth in the country.

By Abdul Wadudu Osman