The General Assembly of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly in the Central Region has passed a resolution to restore the historic Victoria Park to its original status as a football park.

According to the Assembly, it was inappropriate for the park—renowned for its rich football heritage—to have been converted into the Jubilee Park and Jubilee Stand during Ghana’s 50th anniversary celebrations under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The Assembly explained that Victoria Park is a key heritage asset of the Cape Coast metropolis and has, over the years, played a significant role in sports development, particularly football, in the Central Region.

As part of the resolution, the General Assembly has directed its Tourism Sub-Committee to take the necessary steps to ensure the conversion of the Jubilee Park back to its original status as Victoria Park.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur, announced the decision in an interview with Chief Jerry Justice, host of the GhanaYensom morning show on Accra 100.5 FM on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Mr. Arthur noted that from time immemorial, Victoria Park had been a breeding ground for football talents in the Central Region.

He lamented that since the park’s transformation into a ceremonial venue, the region—particularly Cape Coast—has experienced a noticeable decline in football talent development.

 

He added that the use of the park primarily for ceremonial activities has not contributed meaningfully to youth development, sports growth, or tourism advancement in the Cape Coast metropolis, stressing the need to reclaim the park’s original purpose for the benefit of the community.

Victoria Park — Where Ghana’s Football Story Began The Birthplace of Ghanaian Football In 1903, led by their Jamaican headmaster, Mr. Briton, 22 students from Cape Coast Government Boys School formed what is recognised as Ghana’s first-ever football club, Excelsior. These students trained under the glow of the full moon at Victoria Park — then a ceremonial ground — before staging the first exhibition match on December 26, 1903, watched by the Gold Coast Governor Sir Fredric Hodgson. A Launchpad for National Football That historic game ignited a passion that spread rapidly. Soon, clubs like Accra Hearts of Oak SC, Venomous Vipers and Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs Fc emerged. Victoria Park became recognised as the cradle of organised football in the country. Why It Matters Today Victoria Park isn’t just a field — it’s a seat of legacy. It’s where Cape Coast introduced football to Ghana, helped shape the national football league, and produced clubs that defined the sport’s early era.