Author: Victoria Kwofie
Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams has expressed deep concern about encroachment on government land at the Borteyman Sports Complex during a working visit on Monday 7th July 2025 morning. He stated that the land, which was acquired through a formal agreement with the University of Ghana in 2003, spans 99.5 acres, of which about 43 acres were used to construct the sports facilities that hosted the 13th African Games. The remaining land was reserved for future development, including additional multipurpose sports and accommodation facilities.
Hon. Adams was alarmed by the rapid encroachment on the unused land over the past three months. “Clearly, you can see behind and in front of me that encroachers are virtually taking over the space and developing rapidly. This is not right. This is absolutely wrong,” he said. He emphasized that the land remains the property of the Government of Ghana and is intended solely for sports infrastructure development.
He issued a stern warning to individuals who are acquiring and developing portions of the land unlawfully. “I want to send a message to all those who are paying for land in this area from where the wall is, all the way to the stream, which serves as the boundary not to continue with those transactions. Any investment they make in this area will be a wasted investment,” the Minister cautioned. He confirmed that all final documentation for the land has been secured.
“Even if you rush to construct in the night or over the weekend, at the right time, we will bring everything down,” Hon. Adams warned. He advised individuals who have already spent money on such transactions to seek refunds from the people who sold them the land. “It is better for you not to waste your money at all,” he said, adding that continuing construction would only lead to further losses.
The Minister also announced plans to collaborate with relevant state agencies to secure the land. “The LOC Chair has made me aware that there was an arrangement to get the 48 Engineers Regiment to construct a wall. That arrangement is still open,” he revealed. He said engagements would continue to ensure the land is properly protected while government works to secure additional resources for continued development.
Highlighting the importance of sports infrastructure, Hon. Adams remarked; “It’s only in our part of the world that we think sports infrastructure doesn’t matter, if every open space is turned into residential property, there will be no room left to develop young sporting talents”. One sports person can change the situation of an entire community he added.
Ghana has been given the opportunity to host swimming competitions back-to-back in recent times because of this facility and when fully completed, the complex could evolve into a full sports city, generating tourism and revenue while positioning Ghana as a top destination for international sports events the Minister stated.