The Essipong (L) and Cape Coast (R) stadiums are to be revived
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving Ghana’s crumbling sports infrastructure, with specific focus on the Cape Coast and Essipong Sports Stadiums.
Speaking in an interview with Original TV, Ankrah acknowledged the urgent need for major upgrades at both venues, which have struggled from years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
“We have a lot of work to do. Cape Coast Stadium is not in the best shape; the grass is very bad but we are working hard to fix it,” he stated.
The Cape Coast Stadium, once a regular venue for the national team, has not hosted an international fixture since Ghana’s 1-0 win over South Africa in 2021.
Its failure to meet CAF licensing requirements led to Ghana being temporarily barred from using it as a venue for international games.
Meanwhile, the Essipong Sports Stadium, which has not seen renovation since it was built for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, has suffered significant deterioration.
Roofing systems have collapsed, the steel framework has corroded, and utilities like electricity are non-existent. But Ankrah is optimistic that the necessary repairs can get the stadium to its old state.
“We can upgrade the Essipong Stadium, but we need to invest a lot of money in it. I went there last month, the roof of the stadium is almost done, and it looks good, but there is no electricity there. Also, there’s encroachment of lands close to the stadium,” Ankrah added.
Despite a $3 million renovation promise made in 2020 by then Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah, progress at Essipong has stalled, adding to growing concerns over Ghana’s preparedness to host major sporting events.
In a parallel move, new Minister for Sports and Recreation in the Mahama administration, Kofi Adams, has proposed that the Cape Coast Stadium be reserved exclusively for the Black Stars to prevent further wear and allow focused upgrades.
Ankrah emphasised that while challenges are steep, the government is determined to bring the country’s sports facilities back up to CAF and FIFA standards.
FKA/AE
Ghana’s Dana Kofi clinches UBO Africa Super Welterweight crown with stunning KO
