The Upper East Region continues to lag behind other parts of the country in terms of sports infrastructure, a situation that has hindered the systematic training and development of athletes.
Despite this challenge, the region has consistently produced exceptional sporting talents who have represented Ghana with distinction.
Renowned football icons such as Abedi Pele Ayew, alongside players including David Atanga, Fataw Salifu, Rahaman Danladi, and Prosper Asabia, all trace their roots to the Upper East Region.
These individuals have made significant contributions to national sports and continue to serve as inspiration to young athletes across the country, even in the absence of adequate facilities back home.
The region’s long-standing infrastructure deficit recently drew national attention when a young sports enthusiast embarked on a symbolic walk from Bolgatanga to Accra to advocate for the construction of a modern sports stadium in the Upper East.
The initiative captured public interest and reportedly caught the attention of government officials.
Speaking at the 2026 Media Soire organised by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugre Atanga, called on sports legends from the region and other key stakeholders to actively lobby for improved sports infrastructure.
“Football legends such as Abedi Pele and other stakeholders should engage the Ministry of Sports to secure modern sporting facilities for the Upper East Region.” the Minister said.
“This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to revive sports development and nurture world-class talents from the region.”
Currently, the Upper East Region reportedly does not have a single modern, well-equipped sports facility capable of hosting major training programmes or competitive events. Stakeholders argue that this gap not only limits athlete development but also affects youth engagement, talent retention, and regional representation in national sports.
There are, therefore, growing calls for urgent government intervention to address the disparity and unlock the full sporting potential of the Upper East Region, which has already proven its ability to produce elite athletes against the odds.
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