President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned the newly-constructed boxing gymnasium, the Bukom Boxing Arena, also called the Trust Sports Emporium. It is located near the Korle Lagoon in Accra.
The Trust Sports Emporium comprises an 800-seater sports auditorium, a two-storey aerobic, physiotherapy and gym block, a 300-seater conference hall and a 4000-seater open air arena.
The stadium also has a 10-lane Olympic size swimming pool, a restaurant, a nine unit three storey JHS and SHS school for needy students with huge potential in sports and a 20-seater sanitary facility. It is the first standard boxing facility to be constructed in the country since after independence.
The Trust Sports Emporium was built close to Bukom, a fishing community. Bukom, which is regarded as the home of Ghana boxing, has produced world champions like Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Joseph Agbeko, Alfred Quartey and David Kotei Poison, who all received plaques from President Mahama at the occasion, in recognition of their contributions in the world of boxing.
It is these champions produced by Bukom that prompted the construction of the spectacular sports facility in the area. The project was funded by Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in partnership with Polish company, Trust Sports Emporium Limited.
Speaking at the commissioning which was held Tuesday evening, President Mahama said that the lack of quality sports facilities in the country over the years has negatively affected the performance of Ghanaian sportsmen and women.
He said the construction of the Trust Sports Emporium is in fulfillment of his pledge to provide adequate and quality sports infrastructure across every region in the country as it is expected to aid the various national boxing teams train better for local and international competitions. According to the President, “the government believes that it is not enough to pray and hope for victory in sports competitions”.
President Mahama promised to fulfill his vision to build first class stadia in five regions if his mandate is renewed at the December 7 polls. He added that the Trust Sports Emporium will be run commercially to offset the construction cost.
See photos of the magnificent ultramodern sports facility:
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