MP Initiates Another Ambitious Project for Tarkwa

…Rallies for Construction of Airport, After TnA Stadium Success

Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency in the Western Region, George Mireku Duker, has mooted yet another ambitious initiative towards the construction of a befitting Airport for the people of Tarkwa.

The MP, whose similar effort gave birth to the construction of 10,400-Seater TnA Sports Stadium said, the proposed airport, would be built by consortium of mining companies operating in the Tarkwa enclave towards the economic benefits and boost tourism potentials of the area.

“I have further, initiated the formation of a consortium of Mining Companies in Tarkwa to build synergies towards the construction of a befitting Airport for the good people of Tarkwa. This, when completed will boost trade and tourism potentials of the Municipality.

I will continue delivering cutting-edge developmental agenda for my people and the joy in their eyes, as we commissioned the stadium, is very touching,” he said.

Mr Duker, who is also the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in-charge of Mining, was speaking during an event to commission the ultra-modern TNA Stadium funded by Goldfields Foundation at a cost of US$16.2 million last Friday, August 16.

He expressed profound joy of witnessing the successful completion of an idea he conceived and getting the necessary support for it, adding that Tarkwa, is now an infrastructure hub for sports in the country to nurture talents.

“This historic moment brings me joy, seeing an idea I conceived and initiated, getting the necessary support, for the benefit of my people. Together with six (6) Astroturfs I have constructed in the Constituency, Tarkwa-Nsuaem is now a key sports infrastructure hub in the country to unearth talent and contribute to socio-economic development”, he noted.

He outlined his plans for the area stating, “My vision is that, Tarkwa cannot be a victim of the natural resources curse, but rather, we will, as stakeholders ensure that, Mineral wealth, through corporate social responsibilities of the Mining Companies and Government, is invested in critical infrastructure and job opportunities for the teeming youth, having in mind that, the mineral is non-renewable, and sustainability is key”.

According to him, he was humbled by the commendations by his constituents, regarding the significant role he played towards the establishment of the TNA stadium.

The multi-purpose stadium, described as the brainchild of Mr Duker, has been equipped with modern sports facilities.

They, include a VVIP stand, general stands for spectators and officials, parking lots, an ambulance bay, LOC office, dressing rooms, offices for coaches, a media centre, and a commentary box.

Other facilities are, flood lights, physiotherapy and first aid office, office for match commissioners and referees, and a kits store.

The state-of-the-art facility, which promises to be a beacon of pride for the people of Tarkwa and the region, will serve as the home ground for Ghana Premier League side, Medeama SC, who are based in the town.

Mr Duker, played a significant role in lobbying Gold Fields in 2008 for the reconstruction of the stadium, when he was the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.

He was, said to have mooted the idea at the time, however, the project was abandoned when the NPP under the erstwhile John Agyekum Kuffour administration, lost power and exited office in 2009.

During his 2016 elections campaign, while canvassing for votes to be elected as MP for the first time, he promised the people of Tarkwa-Nsuaem, to ensure the construction of the stadium, see the light of day.

The MP, despite some opposition, is said to have stood on his grounds to justify why the construction of the said sports facility in the area, is necessary.

Recalled the third time MP, during one of his inspection visits to the edifice in October 2022, wondered why some political figures, appeared not to be enthused to acknowledge his roles, stressing that “reconstruction of TnA Park is about Mireku Duker.”

“So, a committee was constituted to make sure we have a well- designed and preferable stadium, and after year of presentation and scrutiny, they did the due diligence. I was overwhelmed and excited about the decision by Gold Fields accepting the designs,” Mr Duker stated.

Source: Anchorghana.com