NDC: NPP Lacks Will to Complete Youth Centers

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what it claims is a lack of “political will” to complete the Youth Resource Centers across Ghana. The NDC’s statement comes amidst ongoing concerns about the progress and completion of these important facilities.

The Youth Resource Centers project was initiated by the NPP in 2018 under the leadership of then-Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah. The plan was to construct ten multipurpose centers throughout the country to support youth development and sports. However, six years into the project, only one of these centers, located in Koforidua, has been completed and officially commissioned.

The remaining centers are still under construction or remain abandoned, leading to frustrations and criticisms from various quarters. The lack of progress on these projects has been attributed to financial constraints, as admitted by the current Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif. Ussif has stated that challenges related to payments have hindered the continuation of work on these centers.

Edem Agbana, a member of the NDC’s Sports Committee, has voiced strong criticisms regarding the NPP’s handling of the Youth Resource Centers. In an interview with Joy Sports, Agbana accused the NPP of failing to demonstrate the necessary political will to complete the projects. He emphasized that if the government were genuinely committed, they would have found a way to overcome the financial hurdles.

Agbana’s comments highlight a broader frustration within the NDC about the state of infrastructure and development projects initiated by the previous administration. He argued that the incomplete centers are a reflection of the NPP’s inability to follow through on its promises.

In response to these criticisms, Agbana assured that the NDC, if given the opportunity, would prioritize the completion of all ongoing sports facilities projects. He stated, “I am giving you my firmest assurance that we will make sure that every single sports facility that the NPP government has initiated across the regions will be completed because they must be completed.”

The NDC’s stance underscores their commitment to ensuring that projects benefiting the youth and sports sectors are fully realized. This assurance comes as part of their broader campaign promises aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits and enhancing development.

The debate over the Youth Resource Centers is likely to be a significant point of discussion in the lead-up to the next elections. Both parties are expected to highlight their plans for youth development and infrastructure to sway voters. The outcome of this debate may influence public perception and support for each party’s future initiatives.