The Chief Operating Officer of BLAG Ghana, Mr Eddie Dankwa, has bemoaned the negative impact of COVID-19 on the artificial grass market, saying the pandemic stalled the industry’s progress.
Mr Dankwa explained that the market had grown strongly in recent times before the outbreak of COVID-19 but expected the industry to recover in coming days.
Speaking to the media at Agona , Capital of Sekyere South District in the Ashanti Region to officially hand over FIFA standard astroturf facility to GNPC last Monday, he said, the artificial turf industry was facing global crisis due to the effects of the pandemic which had reduced demand for the construction of artificial turfs.
However, he expressed his confidence that the gradual return of sporting activities would see an improvement in market conditions next year.
“The market has grown strongly in recent years but is currently suffering the impact of COVID-19 on global demand,” he said.
“A key feature of the industry is the way its structure keeps changing in response to new technology, new opportunities and new strategies.
“Going into next year, there is a projection that the industry would recover from the pandemic in order to put things in place”.
Commissioning of projects
Despite the general slowdown in the market, BLAG Ghana constructed and handed over to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation, a new community artificial turfs at Agona in the Ashanti Region.
A handing-over ceremony was held to mark the completion of the new artificial turfs for the people of Agona with the focus on helping to unearth and nurture football talents within the District.
The facility is equipped with a fence and floodlights to enable play at night.
It is expected to offer, particularly football talents in the community, an opportunity to hone their skills on standard playing fields and to maximize their potential.
Other projects
BLAG Ghana had inaugurated over 39 artificial turfs in the Country, notable among them are ;Apenkwa in Accra and Beposo in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region.
The Apenkwa Community Park, which was developed by the GNPC, was handed over to the people in March before Beposo had theirs in April.
Other projects such as the Mfantsipim School turf, Manhyia Konadu Yiadom park, Dichemso,Asonomaso turf,Bohyen and New Takoradi park among others.
Source: Ayisah Foster|Broadcastergh.com
