Wed Sep 25 09:00:41 UTC 2024: ## Ghana Fires National Sports Authority Boss Over Stadium Crisis

**Accra, Ghana:** Following the Confederation of Africa Football’s (CAF) decision to revoke Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s approval for international matches, President Akufo-Addo has fired the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Dodzie Numekevor.

The move comes after years of criticism surrounding the dilapidated state of Ghana’s national stadiums, including Baba Yara. CAF specifically cited concerns over the playing pitch, washrooms, referee changing rooms, and technical bench area.

Though the President’s letter did not explicitly state the reason for the dismissal, it is widely believed that Numekevor’s failure to maintain the stadiums, despite receiving revenue from stadium rentals, contributed to the decision.

The Chronicle reports that the NSA has repeatedly rented out national stadiums for religious events and entertainment shows, despite the damaging impact on the pitches. This practice, combined with a lack of overall stadium upkeep, ultimately led to CAF’s withdrawal of approval.

Further compounding the situation is the recent closure of both Baba Yara and Accra Sports stadiums by the NSA, adding to the woes of the struggling Ghana Premier League.

While the President’s swift action is praised, some critics are questioning why Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif was not also dismissed. Despite the NSA’s direct responsibility for stadium maintenance, Ussif, as the overall head of the sector, is ultimately responsible for the situation.

The Chronicle argues that Ussif should have been more proactive in addressing the concerns raised by the public and sports journalists regarding the use of the stadiums for non-sporting events.

The closure of these stadiums has left many Ghanaian youth, who are passionate about football, without a place to watch their favorite teams, including Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. The impact on the Black Stars, who are now forced to play home matches abroad, also poses a threat to national pride and unity.

With the recent events highlighting the critical need for improvement in Ghana’s sports infrastructure, the future of the nation’s sporting landscape remains uncertain.

Read More