The completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre is not just a project of regional importance but a vital investment in the future of Ghana’s youth.
Located in the Upper East Region, the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre was envisioned to be a hub for nurturing young talent, promoting social development, and creating opportunities for the youth in an underserved part of the country.
However, the construction of this facility has faced several delays, leaving a significant gap in the region’s developmental prospects. With a focus on sports and youth empowerment, completing this project would have far-reaching social, economic, and cultural benefits that justify prioritizing its completion.
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in Ghana, particularly in a geographical area like Navrongo, where economic opportunities are scarce. The completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre would provide immediate and long-term employment opportunities. During the construction phase, the project would create jobs for local contractors, laborers, and suppliers, contributing to the local economy.
Upon completion, the facility would require management, coaching staff, and administrative personnel, thereby generating sustainable employment. Furthermore, the centre’s existence would spur the growth of ancillary services such as food vendors, transport operators, and sports-related businesses, stimulating local economic growth.
The resource centre is designed to serve as a training ground for young athletes, offering a structured environment for nurturing talent in various sports disciplines. With limited sports facilities in the region, young people often lack the resources and space to develop their skills.
The completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre would provide state-of-the-art facilities and professional guidance for young athletes, enabling them to compete at regional, national, and even international levels. This would not only help identify and nurture talent from the northern part of Ghana but also provide a positive outlet for youth to channel their energy, thereby reducing the risk of engaging in negative behaviors such as crime and drug abuse.
Sports have always been a powerful tool for fostering unity and social cohesion. The completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre would provide a space for community members to come together, celebrate shared achievements, and build a sense of pride and identity.
Regular sporting events and tournaments would serve as a platform for different communities to interact, breaking down ethnic and social barriers. This is particularly important in the Upper East Region, where historical tensions and socio-economic disparities exist. The facility would promote peace and inclusivity, contributing to broader community development goals.
The Government of Ghana has emphasized youth empowerment and sports development in various policy documents, including the National Youth Policy and the National Sports Policy. Completing the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre aligns with these national objectives by providing a tangible resource for youth engagement.
Additionally, the facility would contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The Centre could also serve as a training ground for health and wellness programs, life skills training, and educational workshops, supporting the holistic development of young people in the region.
The Upper East Region has long lagged behind in terms of infrastructure and investment compared to other regions in Ghana. Completing the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre would signal a commitment to equitable regional development, reducing the north-south divide that has characterized Ghana’s development trajectory for decades.
By providing high-quality sports infrastructure in Navrongo, the government would be addressing regional disparities and creating a precedent for future investments in deprived areas. This would not only benefit Navrongo but also serve as a beacon of hope for other underserved regions, fostering a sense of inclusion and balanced development across the country.
Ghana has a rich sports heritage, particularly in football, boxing, and athletics. However, the country has struggled to maintain its competitiveness on the international stage due to inadequate sports infrastructure and support systems. The completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre would contribute to reversing this trend by creating a new breeding ground for future sports stars.
With proper coaching, mentorship, and facilities, the Centre could produce athletes who would represent Ghana at the international level, enhancing the country’s reputation in global sports. This would not only bring glory to the nation but also create new opportunities for commercial sponsorships, sports tourism, and economic gains.
The Navrongo Youth Resource Centre holds immense potential for transforming the lives of young people in the Upper East Region and contributing to national development. However, this potential can only be realized if the government prioritizes its completion. The delays in construction have not only resulted in wasted resources but have also dashed the hopes of many young people who see the facility as a beacon of opportunity. It is time for the government and all stakeholders to act decisively, allocate the necessary resources, and fast-track the completion of this project.
In conclusion, the completion of the Navrongo Youth Resource Centre is not just a matter of fulfilling a promise, it is about investing in the future of Ghana’s youth and the socio-economic development of the Upper East Region.
The Centre would provide employment, nurture talent, foster social cohesion, and contribute to the government’s broader policy objectives. More importantly, it would serve as a symbol of hope and commitment to regional equity and youth empowerment. The time to act is now, and the government must prioritize the completion of this vital project to unlock its full potential for the benefit of the youth and the entire nation.
Edgar Balinia Adda,
International Development Specialist
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
[email protected]
