A public-interest environmental advocacy campaign has taken the proposed installation of artificial synthetic turf at the Kawukudi Park Mini-Stadium in Nima, Accra, to the High Court, seeking to halt the project until environmental and sustainability concerns are properly considered.
The action has been initiated by Yahaya Alhassan, President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, and Alhassan Abdallah Musah, Chief Executive Officer of the World College of Mayors.
The Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Hon. Abdul Ganiyu Ibrahim, Municipal Chief Executive of the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly, have been named as Defendants/Respondents.
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| Hon. Abdul Ganiyu Ibrahim,M.C.E of Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly |
The Plaintiffs are seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the Defendants, their agents, contractors, servants and workmen from proceeding with the installation of artificial synthetic turf at the Kawukudi Park Mini-Stadium pending the final determination of the substantive case.
Environmental concerns
The applicants argue that the choice of artificial turf raises important questions about environmental sustainability, green urban development and the long-term welfare of the surrounding community.
According to the applicants, natural grass should be considered as a more environmentally sustainable alternative, where technically and environmentally practicable.
They argue that public recreational infrastructure should not be evaluated only on sporting considerations but should also take into account environmental protection, sustainable urban planning and potential employment opportunities.
The applicants further contend that the environmental implications of the proposed artificial turf should be properly considered before irreversible steps are taken.
Why the injunction is being sought
The plaintiffs say they are concerned that the artificial turf could be installed before the court has an opportunity to determine the substantive issues raised in the case.
They are therefore asking the High Court to preserve the status quo, arguing that proceeding with the installation could render the substantive action ineffective or substantially prejudice the public-interest concerns being raised.
The applicants maintain that the balance of convenience favours temporarily halting the installation while the court considers the matter.
Call for a greener approach
The legal action forms part of a broader call for a “Go Green” approach to public infrastructure development, particularly in densely populated urban communities.
The campaigners argue that public parks and recreational facilities should contribute to healthier and greener communities rather than simply provide sporting infrastructure.
They are also asking the court to declare that public authorities have a duty to take environmental sustainability and public-interest considerations into account when undertaking public recreational infrastructure projects.
The case could bring renewed attention to the environmental standards applied to sports and recreational projects in Ghana and the role of public participation and sustainability considerations in municipal development.
The plaintiffs are seeking any further orders the High Court considers appropriate in the circumstances.
Suit No.: ………………………
Plaintiffs/Applicants:
Yahaya Alhassan
Alhassan Abdallah Musah
Defendants/Respondents:
Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly
Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Hon. Abdul Ganiyu Ibrahim, Municipal Chief Executive, Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly.