By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
A true leader is one who remains consistent, prioritizing the interests of the people and delivering tangible development. Honourable Alfred Thompson, Member of Parliament for the All People Congress (APC)party representing Western Urban District, has once again demonstrated his commitment to the people of Congo Town by fulfilling a key promise from his manifesto—a state-of-the-art playing field for the community.
On Sunday, 30th March 2025, after the Eid-Ul-Fitr prayer, Hon. Thompson officially unveiled the modern sports facility, marking a historic moment for the residents. The Chief of Congo Town, community stakeholders, media practitioners, and excited residents gathered to witness the realization of a dream that had been years in the making.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Sheikh Alie Bangura, Regional Imam for the United Council of Imams for the West One Region, praised Hon. Thompson for his unwavering dedication to the community. Quoting from the Quran, he highlighted the importance of gratitude and assured the MP that both the Muslim and Christian communities would work together to maintain the facility. He concluded with prayers for Hon. Thompson and his family.
In his speech, Honourable Thompson recounted the struggles involved in securing the land, emphasizing that he fought to prevent individuals from turning the space into private property.
“This ground was almost lost to private interests,” he explained. “But I made it a priority to ensure it remained a public asset, a place for the youth and the entire community to benefit from. I thank the Almighty for granting me the strength and perseverance to see this through.”
Hon. Thompson urged the community to take ownership of the facility, ensuring it remains in good condition for future generations. He further emphasized its role in fostering unity and religious tolerance, as it would serve people from all backgrounds.
Speaking to media practitioners, Hon. Thompson shed light on the land challenges that had plagued the community for years.
“Previous Members of Parliament struggled to solve the land issues here,” he said. “The City Council has been selling and leasing lands, including spaces meant for a dustbin site and a cemetery. These problems have been ignored for too long, but with the support of my colleagues in Parliament, we finally reclaimed this land for the people.”
The MP proudly declared that he had fulfilled his long-standing commitment:
“I have fulfilled my promise to my people. Since 2013, I have always said that the first thing I would do when I became an MP was to build an artificial turf for this community. Today, I have delivered a state-of-the-art facility—something even many places in America lack. I have done what God instructed me to do for my people.”
The new Congo Town Playing Field is more than just a football pitch. The facility includes:
Artificial turf for a professional playing experience
Solar-powered floodlights for nighttime activities
Over 150 stadium-style seats for spectators
A basketball court to diversify sports engagement, a secure perimeter fence for protection and
Decorative play areas for children, with additional installations underway
Unlike many sports facilities that charge for entry, Hon. Thompson emphasized that access would be free for the community. Any revenue generated from the field will be reinvested into community development projects.
Even as he celebrated this achievement, Hon. Thompson revealed his next ambitious project by installing three hundred solar energy from Brookfield to Lumley.
This initiative aims to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and provide sustainable lighting solutions for residents.
The unveiling of the Congo Town Sports Facility marks a significant milestone in Hon. Thompson’s leadership. The joy and excitement among the community, especially the youth, were undeniable—proof that when promises are kept, communities thrive.
