Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson Inaugurates New Playing Field in Congo Town
By Abdul Rahman Bah
In a momentous occasion celebrated against the backdrop of colourful festivities, Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson, the dedicated Member of Parliament for the 110 West Region under the All People’s Congress (APC), fulfilled a long-held promise by inaugurating a vibrant new playing field at the J.B. Robison Primary School in Congo Town. The unveiling ceremony, held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in the bustling city of Freetown, was strategically timed after the joyous Eid-Ul-Fitr prayer, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of community members, local leaders, media representatives, and eager residents, all keen to witness the transformation of this once-neglected space into a modern facility aimed at enriching the community.
As the sun shone brightly, illuminating the newly green expanse, Hon. Thompson took to the podium, his voice filled with passion as he addressed the gathering. He recounted the arduous journey to secure the land, a battleground against encroachment by private interests that threatened to undermine community access to this essential resource. With heartfelt sincerity, he expressed gratitude for the resilience that allowed him to overcome these obstacles and complete the playing field project. Emphasizing its importance, he called upon the residents to take pride in and ownership of the facility, highlighting its role as a gathering spot that fosters unity between the Muslim and Christian communities and promotes collaboration among diverse groups.
Hon. Thompson acknowledged the heritage of challenges faced by previous Members of Parliament concerning land disputes in the area, underscoring the historical conflicts in which the City Council had previously been involved, occasionally leasing or selling plots of land for various purposes, including waste management and burial grounds. Despite these past setbacks, his commitment to preserving this vital space for the community remained unwavering.
As he reflected on the remarkable features of the new playing field, Hon. Thompson beamed with pride, particularly in showcasing the high-quality artificial turf, comparable to some of the finest sports fields seen in America. He declared that this facility would be accessible to all, dismantling financial barriers—whereas other athletic venues charge for entry, this space stands free for the youth and aspiring athletes to cultivate their talents and hone their skills.
The playing field is more than just a patch of grass; it features cutting-edge artificial turf, energy-efficient solar lighting illuminating the area for evening activities, over 150 comfortable stadium chairs, a dedicated basketball court for enthusiasts of the game, and a secure perimeter fence ensuring safety for all. Decorative elements designed for children’s enjoyment have also been thoughtfully incorporated, transforming the facility into a community stronghold. Hon. Thompson reassured attendees that any revenue generated from organized events at the field would be reinvested into further developmental initiatives that would uplift and enhance the lives of residents.
Looking towards the horizon, Hon. Thompson articulated his ambitious vision for improving community infrastructure, announcing an upcoming project to install 300 solar-powered streetlights across the Western Urban region, stretching from Brookfield to Lumley. This initiative reflects his ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and accessibility in neighbourhoods, reiterating that he considers the needs of the people paramount in every endeavour he undertakes.
As the event continued, Sheikh Alie Bangura, the esteemed Regional Imam for the United Council of Imams in the West One Region of Sierra Leone, took a moment to commend Hon. Thompson for his significant contributions to the community. Quoting a poignant verse from the Quran, he underscored the importance of recognizing and appreciating good deeds, a testament to the spirit of collaboration present that day. He offered assurances that both the Muslim and Christian communities, alongside the committee responsible for managing the field, would diligently work to maintain the facility’s integrity and ensure its longevity. The Imam concluded with heartfelt prayers for Hon. Thompson and his family, invoking blessings and guidance as he continues his noble mission to support and elevate the community.
