By Tilda Acorlor
The Chairman of Ho Hockey Club, Williams Agbenu, says the club is committed to securing a permanent site for a hockey pitch in the Ho Municipality to sustain and develop the sport in the Volta Region.
“Our main objective is to secure a permanent hockey playing field for the Ho Municipality,” he stated.
Mr. Agbenu revealed that the club may pursue its own facility if plans for a new regional sports complex do not accommodate hockey.
“Last week, we read in the Graphic that there will be a football pitch in the region. We are not sure whether there will be additional facilities, but we will engage the authorities. Otherwise, we will acquire land and develop it into a permanent hockey venue,” he added.
He made the remarks during the third Johnson Ofori Memorial Hockey Tournament held in Ho, in honour of the late Johnson Ofori, who played a key role in the development of hockey in the region.
Mr. Agbenu noted that the time has come for stakeholders to move beyond temporary arrangements, such as sharing the Ho Sports Stadium with football teams, and provide a dedicated hockey facility.
“Today, we had the footballers pursuing us to leave the pitch” he said, noting the challenges of shared usage.
While welcoming the initiative of a Category 2 FIFA Standard football pitch for the Volta region, Mr. Agbenu urged authorities to consider incorporating facilities for other sports, particularly hockey.
“We will engage the authorities to explore the possibility of including a hockey facility. If that is not feasible, we are prepared to acquire land and develop our own permanent playing ground,” he reiterated.
Hockey development in the Volta Region continues to face challenges, especially in securing sponsorship.
The lack of financial support has affected the ability to sustain development programmes and organise competitions.
Mr. Agbenu, who credits hockey for creating career opportunities for him, emphasises the sport’s impact on livelihoods.
“I got a job primarily because of hockey” The sport creates opportunities, but without adequate support, it will eventually die,” he noted.
He encouraged players and enthusiasts to remain committed despite the challenges.
“To the athletes, we shouldn’t belittle the little beginnings we are witnessing today, and let’s keep the networks going so that we will derive the maximum benefits” he advised.
The leadership and members of Ho Hockey Club say they remain committed to promoting the sport and will explore all available avenues, including private sector support, to establish a permanent facility.
The call is consequential for inclusive sports infrastructure development in the Volta Region to ensure that lesser-funded disciplines such as hockey receive the necessary attention and support.
