Former Ghanaian boxer Isaac Braimah Kamako, popularly known as Bukom Banku, has taken control of the maintenance of the Bukom community astroturf along with his two sons. The trio has been actively involved in refurbishing the facility, which was previously managed by a committee set up in 2024.
In a bold move, Bukom Banku declared himself as the caretaker of the astroturf, urging locals to report any issues they have with the facility to former President John Dramani Mahama. He shared videos on his TikTok page, showcasing himself, Mustapha Kamoko, and Abubakar Kamoko working diligently on the pitch, pouring sand from a wheelbarrow onto the artificial playing surface.
Asserting his authority over the astroturf, Bukom Banku stated that he would not relinquish control of the facility, emphasizing his deep roots in the Bukom community. He revealed that he is responsible for collecting fees from individuals who wish to use the pitch, with all payments going directly to him.
During an interview on Max TV, Bukom Banku explained that as a native of Bukom, he had every right to oversee the maintenance of the astroturf. He dismissed the notion that the assembly members should manage the facility, highlighting that their role is to focus on other community maintenance tasks.
The boxer emphasized that all the funds collected from the astroturf users are reinvested in maintaining the pitch, as it is a communal asset. He made it clear that he had taken over the responsibility to ensure the proper upkeep of the facility for the benefit of the community.
The Bukom astroturf was originally inaugurated in 2020 as part of a government initiative to upgrade the old sandy park into a modern sports facility. However, by 2022, signs of wear and tear began to show, leading to a renovation in 2024, which included the construction of an office space for better management.
Despite facing criticism and scrutiny over his takeover of the astroturf, Bukom Banku remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving the facility for the residents of Bukom. His hands-on approach to maintenance work demonstrates his dedication to ensuring that the community has access to a well-maintained sports facility.
