For many decades, the people of the Upper East Region have cried for the construction of a standard sports stadium to promote sports development and youth talent. Sadly, this dream has remained a mirage despite several promises and uncompleted projects scattered across the region. There are at least four uncompleted sports stadia — in Bawku, Sandema, Navrongo, and the regional capital, Bolgatanga. These structures, which were initiated during the regime of the late military ruler General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong in the early 1970s, have been left to decay and surrender to the mercy of the weather.
Growing up in Bolgatanga, I remember hearing stories that these stadia were once meant to serve as hubs for nurturing sporting talents in northern Ghana. However, they now stand as painful symbols of neglect. Over the years, various stakeholders have made attempts to renovate at least one of them, particularly the Bolgatanga Sports Stadium located in Bukere, yet little has been achieved. In 2016, when Bolga All Stars qualified for the Ghana Premier League, a committee was formed to ensure that their home pitch met the Ghana Football Association’s standards.
The committee, chaired by Mr. Dominic Asabea, included Naba Paul Asaana Agoo (Vice Chairman), Mr. Salifu Zida (RFA Chairman), Mr. Paa Wuli, Mr. Aboagye Emmanuel of A1 Radio (Organizer), and Mr. Bawa Swazy Ayaribila (Secretary). Their mandate was to prepare the Bolga stadium for GFA approval, secure a borehole for watering the pitch, and provide a dressing room for players. Despite their efforts, financial constraints and lack of government support hindered meaningful progress.
In recent years, a young man named Mr. Denis Apusiga took the bold step of walking from Bolgatanga to Accra — a distance of nearly 600 kilometers — to draw national attention to the region’s plight. His symbolic walk was an act of patriotism and desperation for development. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to meet Members of Parliament from the Upper East Region and even the President of the Republic of Ghana. During a “Meet the Press” encounter, when journalist Mr. Joshua Asaah of A1 Radio questioned the president about the state of sports infrastructure in the region, the president pledged to build a new stadium for the Upper East Region and some newly created regions.
When Mr. Apusiga returned home, he was given a heroic welcome by residents. Some walked, others rode motorbikes and drove cars to join the procession. A brief ceremony was held at the uncompleted Bolgatanga Sports Stadium. Dignitaries such as Isaac Adongo (MP for Bolga Central), Donatus Atanga Akamukere (Regional Minister), the landlord of Bukere, Mr. Asabea Amogre (former sports director, Winneba Sports College), and other stakeholders attended.
A new committee was then formed, headed by Mr. Gabriel Agambila, a passionate development advocate who has long campaigned for an airport, a passport office, and a standard sports stadium for the region. Other members included Mr. Salifu Zida, Mr. Asabea Amogre, Coach Kalele Abilba of Bolga FC, Alhaj Sheriff Adams, and others. Their task, assigned by the Regional Minister, was to collaborate with government agencies to ensure that the long-awaited stadium becomes a reality.
If the president fulfils his promise, the economic and social impact will be immense. The stadium will not only provide a platform for young talents to shine but will also create jobs and boost local businesses. Hotels, food vendors, smock sellers, basket weavers, and market women will all benefit during football matches and major events.
As a proud citizen of the Upper East Region, I ask: what more must our people do before our voices are heard? We have waited patiently for far too long. It is now or never, Mr. President. The people of the Upper East Region deserve their share of the national cake. As I write these words, my hands tremble and my heart bleeds with hope — hope that this time, our cry will not fall on deaf ears. Mr. President, please listen to the committee led by Mr. Gabriel Agambila and fast-track the construction of our long-overdue sports stadium.
