A stalled sports infrastructure project in the Krachi East Municipality is drawing renewed concern from residents and sports stakeholders, as an anticipated astroturf facility remains unfinished long after its expected completion date.
The project at Dambai Lapaz Park, which was initially scheduled for completion within six months of commencement, is now roughly a year into construction with several key components still outstanding. These include the laying of artificial turf, installation of floodlights, completion of drainage systems, dressing rooms and spectator stands.
A visit to the site by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed partial progress, with earthworks and perimeter fencing completed, but no visible advancement on the core sporting infrastructure needed to make the facility operational.
The delay has left young footballers and local clubs continuing to rely on unrefined community fields and school parks, many of which become unplayable during the rainy season, affecting training schedules and competitive development.
Football stakeholders in the municipality say the situation is slowing talent identification and limiting exposure for promising players who would otherwise benefit from a standard playing surface.
Local sports journalist Daniel Kojo Ligan said Dambai Lapaz Park had traditionally been a central hub for football activities in the area, often attracting larger crowds than other local grounds. He noted that the suspension of activities at the venue has disrupted the local football ecosystem.
Similarly, referee Razak Mohammed said poor field conditions had undermined efforts to organise structured training programmes for young players, limiting their development and competitive readiness.
Some Assembly Members, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the prolonged delay as disappointing and called for greater transparency regarding the project timeline and funding status.
They argued that residents had been expecting a timely delivery of the facility, which was widely seen as a major investment in youth and community sports development.
Youth leaders, including Christian Kunde, have also expressed concern, warning that continued delays are depriving young people of opportunities and weakening the municipality’s sports potential.
Across the municipality, residents say some talented players have already relocated to larger cities in search of better facilities and exposure, while others risk falling out of structured football development pathways altogether.
Stakeholders are now calling on the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the National Sports Authority to provide clear updates on the project status, including a revised completion schedule and reasons for the delay.
They insist that restoring confidence in the project will require greater accountability and clear communication to ensure the facility eventually fulfils its intended role as a catalyst for youth development in Krachi East.
