Bui, (B/R)-Ghana, Sept. 03, GNA – Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), the managers of the Bui Power Generating Station (BGS) has broken ground for the construction of ultra-modern state-of-the-art football pitch at Bui in the Banda District of the Bono Region.
The project being executed by the Banda District Assembly with funding by the Band expected to be completed within 15 months has 500-capacity seater stands, flood lights, changing rooms, VIP seating area and other sporting facilities.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Bui, Mr Dzamesi said besides power generation, the Authority was determined to help unearth nurture, and build on the inherent sporting talents of the young people in the 16 catchment communities of the dam’s enclave.
He said the construction of the facility was in line with the BPA’s Talent Development Programme introduced in 2022, an initiative designed to nurture the potential of the youth through football.
“This endeavor, we believe, reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement in the spirit of fostering an even stronger bond between the communities affected by our project,” he explained.
“It is with immense pride that I share the success story of our inaugural batch of five football talents who were meticulously chosen through a rigorous selection process. These gifted individuals are currently receiving training at the esteemed John Paintsil Football Academy, with the gracious financial support of BPA.”
This is more than just football training, it’s an investment in the growth and prosperity of these young talents and their families, as well as the wider community surrounding the Bui Generating Station.
He said the Authority was hopeful the facility, on completion, would not only serve as a haven for sporting activities, but also act as a catalyst for a range of recreational pursuits that would enrich the lives of residents and the dedicated staff of BPA authority.
Mr Dzamesi highlighted the comprehensive efforts of the BPA in the development of the communities in the enclave, saying “our endeavours encompass a 5MWp floating solar plant on the Bui Reservoir.”
He said the work on the promising Bui Sugar Factory, already providing over 500 jobs with a projection to create over 1000 jobs next year when it begins full operations, was progressing steadily, while the establishment of a Cashew Processing Plant was also on course.
Mr Dzamesi said the Authority had also granted scholarships to promising individuals from resettlement communities, provided clean drinking water through mechanised boreholes, as well as constructed vital infrastructure such as the District Health Directorate for the area and a six-classroom block at Jama Newtown.
“Our commitment extends to the provision of Free BPA Ambulance, which ensures swift and reliable transportation to other healthcare facilities, the operation of the BPA Hospital around the clock, and the initiation of the BPA Energy Academy, among other impactful initiati,” s,” he added.
“BPA stands unwaveringly committed to fostering holistic community development in the areas where it operates. We firmly believe in our duty to contribute significantly to our nation’s progress through comprehensive and well-rounded initiatives that elevate the lives of the people we serve.”
Our commitment goes beyond the realm of energy generation. It is rooted in the understanding that true development encompasses various aspects of life, from education and healthcare to sports and recreation,” he said.
As a responsible corporate entity, Mr Dzamesi stated the Authority was dedicated to leaving a positive and lasting impact on the communities that had become an integral part of its journey, saying “we recognise that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its citizens”.
Thus, the BPA’s commitment to rounded community development aligns with our broader dedication to national progress, he emphasised.
“By investing in the physical, social and economic growth of the communities where we operate, we believe we are contributing our quota to the overall advancement of our beloved country,” Mr Dzamesi said.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister said she was highly elated about the level of development in the enclave and commended the BPA with the hope that its cordial relationship with the host communities would be strengthened for mutual benefit.
She noted that the facility would not only help unearth and nurture the talents of the youngsters around the enclave but would further boost economic activities in the area.
Mr Emmanuel Akone, the Banda District Chief Executive acknowledged the immeasurable contributions of the BPA towards the holistic development of the district, saying the District Assembly would construct a Police Post and ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
Nana Kojo Wuo, the Chief of Bui also expressed appreciation to the BPA for taking the development of the catchment communities to the next level and hoped the Authority would do more to improve the livelihoods of the people.