The Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre, once envisioned as a beacon of hope for young athletes in Kaneshie, Accra, now stands as a haunting testament to unfulfilled promises. Overgrown with weeds and stalked by reptiles, the center’s dilapidated state starkly contrasts with the vibrant future it was meant to foster. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s recent visit to the site underscores growing public frustration over the project’s abandonment. What was initially conceived as a $4 million investment in youth development has devolved into a symbol of alleged governmental neglect. The Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre abandonment has become a rallying cry for accountability.

The Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre was supposed to be a world-class training facility, but what happened?

In March 2018, then-Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah proudly announced the launch of the Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre, painting a picture of a state-of-the-art complex. The plans included a 5,000-seater stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a modern gymnasium, an ICT center, and a counseling hub. This multi-faceted facility was intended to nurture young talent and provide holistic support for aspiring athletes. But somewhere along the way, the dream faltered. Reports indicate that the initial investment of $4 million was followed by further modifications, including the addition of floodlights. A JoySports Right to Information request revealed that approximately GHC 12 million (around $1 million) had been spent on the project. Despite this significant financial outlay, the current state of the center is appalling. Ampofo Ankrah’s visit, along with previous investigations by JoySports, reveals an overgrown landscape where the uncompleted structure is being reclaimed by nature.

The ambitious timeline for the Azumah Nelson Youth Centre was a mere nine months, a deadline that proved wildly optimistic. By October 2020, construction had ground to a halt. Then Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif claimed the project was 90% complete, but stakeholders allege that the non-disbursement of funds was the primary reason for the cessation of work. This halt has had a devastating impact. The Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre has been decaying for years. JoySports’ “Bush Resource Centres” series has played a crucial role in bringing the center’s decline to public attention, highlighting the stark contrast between the promised facilities and the grim reality.

The Azumah Nelson Youth Resource Centre isn’t the only youth center to be left in disrepair.

The Kaneshie project is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Youth Authority, which saw six other facilities commissioned across Ghana. However, the state of the Azumah Nelson facility stands out as a particularly egregious example of state neglect and the squandering of public resources. Its abandonment raises serious questions about project management, financial oversight, and the government’s commitment to youth sports development.

The future of the Azumah Nelson Youth Centre remains uncertain. The resumption of construction is not guaranteed, and even if work were to restart, significant resources would be required to rectify the existing damage. Preventive measures and ongoing maintenance will be crucial to avoid a repeat of this situation. Continued media coverage and sustained public pressure are essential to ensure that authorities are held accountable and that the project is finally completed. The community must demand answers and assurances that this vital resource will be restored and properly managed.

The story of the Azumah Nelson Youth Centre is a cautionary tale. The initial promise of a vibrant sports hub has been replaced by the grim reality of decay and neglect. This not only represents a loss of opportunity for young athletes but also underscores a broader issue of state accountability and the responsible use of public funds. The Azumah Nelson Youth Centre must be revived, not just as a sports facility, but as a symbol of renewed commitment to Ghana’s youth.