Philanthropist cries over alleged sabotage by Mampong assembly after Gh¢700,000 astroturf project halt

Madam Beatrice Owarewaa Siaw, a UK-based Ghanaian philanthropist and aspiring politician, has leveled serious allegations against the Asante Mampong Municipal Assembly and the incumbent Member of Parliament, accusing them of stifling her efforts to develop sports infrastructure (Astroturf) in the constituency.

The philanthropist, who is funding a private Astroturf project at Tadiem Park, claims that her multi-million-cedi investment has been unfairly halted by authorities, citing political victimization and jealousy.

In an interview with the media following the suspension of work on the site, the aspirant revealed that she had personally invested over GHS 700,000 of her own resources into the development of Tadiem Park. According to her, the project includes the construction of massive drainage systems to curb the perennial flooding that has historically plagued the area.

“I spent over GHS 500,000 on the drains alone and another GHS 200,000 on leveling and clearing the field using my own excavators and machinery. I did this without a single pesewa from the government or any other source. My goal was purely to promote sportsmanship and provide the youth of Mampong with a modern facility,” she said.

She expressed deep frustration over a stop-work order issued by the Municipal Assembly, which she believes was orchestrated by the incumbent MP, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, to sabotage her growing popularity. She argued that the authorities’ sudden insistence on undertaking a legal commitment before she continues the project is a double standard, as other philanthropists in Mampong have previously executed public projects without such requirements.

“When I was doing the dirty, capital-intensive work of constructing the drains to save people’s homes from flooding, no one stopped me. No one asked for designs or professional stamps. But the moment the park began to take shape and gained public approval, they intervened,” she lamented.

She contrasted her efforts with the performance of the current leadership, alleging that the incumbent MP had promised to fix many local parks during his campaign but had failed to deliver despite having access to state resources like the District Assemblies Common Fund and GETFund.

“The Bosomfo Park has had heaps of filling sitting there for years, yet nothing has been done. If an MP with state resources finds it hard to develop a park, why should they block a private citizen who is using her own hard-earned cash to develop the community?” she questioned.

The philanthropist maintained that her project was not for political gain but a necessity for a town that lacks a single national-standard pitch. She urged the youth and the general public to see the project for what it is — a private initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and preventing the youth from engaging in social vices.

As of now, the project remains at a standstill, as she calls on the Mampong traditional authorities and the public to intervene so she can complete the park for the benefit of the youth.