The flagbearer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has promised to embark on two major sporting infrastructure among other projects if voted into power.
During the party’s manifesto launch on Monday, September 7, 2020, at the University for Professional Studies, Accra, John Mahama outlined a significant number of sporting infrastructure he will undertake.
He among other things promised to complete the New Edubiase Stadium started by the NDC Government and upgrade the Winneba Sports College if he gets the nod on December 7.
In February 2018, Mr. Eric Nkansah Dwamena, Director of the National Sports College in Winneba told Citi Sports that a renovation project worth $1.2 million has been called off due to the failure of the state to raise a portion of the stated sum.
This project is what NDC’s John Mahama has promised to complete in order to aid the promotion of sporting activities in the country.
The New Edubiase Stadium, also known as the Gyamfi Park commenced in 2016 but stalled due to financial constraints.
In June 2019, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah affirmed that the project would be redesigned by architectural experts within two weeks to ensure that it meets the required standards.
But checks by Citi Sports show that the promise is yet to see the light of day as it has been abandoned.
All these projects according to Mahama, who is seeking another four-year term, are geared towards the enhancement of sports, its promotion, and the provision of improved remuneration for sports persons.
Below are promises captured in the NDC’s 2020 manifesto with regards to the sports sector:
- Develop specific Sports Centres of Excellence in the three geographical zones of Ghana
- Develop a strategic framework for the construction of stadia in all districts across the country to scout for sports talents
- Upgrade the Winneba Sports College into a state-of-the-art Sports University with campuses in selected regions to enhance the human resource base and development of sports in the West African sub-region to provide opportunities for training and capacity building in sports management and administration as well as sports management and science.
- Continue and complete the New Edubiase Stadium started by the NDC Government
- Establish sports recreational facilities in communities in every district.
- Use the Sports Development Fund to assist the Sports Associations to provide and improve remuneration and welfare of local sportsmen and women