Sports News of Sunday, 30 July 2017
Source: Graphic.com.gh
2017-07-30
Ishmael Lamptey with the Youngsters of Prince FC at East La Sports Complex on Saturday
A businessman, Ishmael Lamptey is calling for a meeting with authorities of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LADMA) to determine the fate of the only astroturf pitch located at East La in Accra.
According to Mr Lamptey, he has been falsely accused of blocking the Kpeshie Lagoon to construct the facility known as East La Sports Complex but all efforts to reach the authorities to discuss the matter has proved futile.
Addressing a press briefing at the pitch on Saturday, Mr Lamptey, the CEO of Ishemo Construction lamented the current impasse between his outfit and LADMA which he says has the capability to retard the development of sporting talents in the community.
He said he was hopeful that a meeting with the LADMA authorities will provide him with the knowledge to either continue with the project or halt it completely.
“For the past few days, I have been hearing things I am not happy about and as a businessman if you hear about such things which are not true you have to clear the air. I have submitted all the relevant land ownership documents to the police and my lawyer but I have been unsuccessful in all my attempts to hold talks with LADMA,” Mr Lamptey said.
“This pitch is part of a larger project which will include tennis, volley and a basketball court and I have already invested a lot of money in it, all I want is a meeting with the LADMA to determine the fate of this facility because no businessman wants to waste his money”.
He said he had held fruitful talks with the previous Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Rita Odoley Sowah over the issue but he has so far been unsuccessful in all his attempts to meet current MCE, Honourable Gladys TsoTsoo Mann-Dedey
“Being a businessman and native of La, I will never destroy anything that belongs to La, no one can touch the Kpeshie Lagoon because it is sacred and you need express permission of the traditional authorities even to dredge it,” Mr Lamptey explained.
He also denied accusations that he has employed land guards to police the East La Sports Complex, saying the facility is open for free to all kids and schools in the area.
“I only charge a maintenance fee for adults and senior teams who want to use this turf, as you can see not even a security post is here. My brother and uncle live around this place so they take care of the place”.
Mr Lamptey also disclosed that he has plans to promote water sports on the Kpeshie Lagoon as part of the East La Sports Complex and has already acquired a six jet-skis and a yacht for that purpose.
“Why will I destroy something I fished in to pay my fees before getting to this stage? I have even bought jet-skis and a yacht for water sports for the same water body, I only need permission to dredge it and then we are good to go,” he said.
