The government has acquired 100 acres of land for the construction of a FIFA Category 2 stadium in Ho, in a move that could significantly reshape sports development in the Volta Region.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, announced the project at a forum to mark the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) at Sokode-Lokoe last Thursday.

The event, held on the theme: “Sports and Exercise for Economic Growth, Recreation and Healthy Nation”, provided the platform for the minister to outline what could become one of the region’s most transformative sports infrastructure projects.

Mr Gunu gave an assurance that work on the stadium would commence shortly and be completed before the end of the year, although he did not disclose the cost.

Beyond infrastructure, he stressed the government’s broader commitment to grassroots and school sports as a pipeline for talent identification and development.

“The government places strong emphasis on inclusive growth and youth development,” he said, highlighting the role of the 24-Hour Economy Policy in unlocking opportunities within the sports sector.

“From fitness centres and recreational parks to organised sporting events, there is real potential to create sustainable jobs while promoting healthy living among the people,” he added.

The minister noted that youth-focused employment and skills programmes could open pathways into coaching, fitness and sports management, while also strengthening preventive health care through exercise.

He further revealed plans to deepen collaboration with the private sector to expand sports and recreational infrastructure across the region.

Mr Gunu gave an assurance that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council would actively back initiatives promoting active lifestyles, particularly among the youth.

“We will continue to encourage school and community sports, while working with institutions such as UHAS to align sports with health and economic development,” he said.

Linguistic advantage

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, urged students to broaden their horizons by learning foreign languages in addition to English to enhance their prospects in international sport.

She noted that UHAS remained the only university in the country offering a programme in sports and exercise medicine, positioning it to provide immediate medical intervention in cases of sporting injuries.

Prof. Aziato added that the proposed stadium in Ho would be a major boost to the university’s sports and health programmes.