Member of Parliament for Talensi in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Benson Baba Tongo, has raised concerns about the poor maintenance of sports infrastructure in the country.
His concern comes as Ghana’s prepares to host the 13th African Games from March 8 to March 23, 2024.
After expressing his satisfaction with the state-of-the-art facility located at Borteyman, Honourable Benson Baba Tongo drew attention to the unfortunate neglect of some national stadia, that have been left in a deplorable state notably the Accra Sports Stadium, the Sekondi Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Additionally, he urged the National Sports Authority to explain why the Accra Sports Stadium has been leased for musical concerts instead of serving its designated sporting purpose.
“Ghana has spent a lot of money, we now have the state-of-the-art facility for track and field which means that, we can host major IAAF Competitions, but the worry is the way we don’t have a maintenance culture.
Maintenance culture is a problem in this country, today what is the state of the Sekondi Stadium, what is the state of the Accra Sports Stadium and what is the state of the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, he queried.
They all need money, to put them into good shape, and to be able to host major football competitions.
I am however worried and disturbed and I have pointed that out to the National Sports Authority, that the stadia constructed to promote sports related activities, rather it is earmarked for concerts and have chosen to deny Accra Hearts of Oak and other teams to use the venue for their home grounds.”
HONOURABLE BENSON TONGA BABA, MP FOR TALENSI NORTH
ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM
I want to advise the Minister to ensure that such practices by the NSA to relegate sports activities to the background and give the facility out for the promotion of other unrelated activities.
The Borteyman Sports Complex, set to be equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities, will be a key venue for the African Games.
The University of Ghana is another host venue for the Games and is undergoing renovations to improve the stadium’s facilities and new rugby field is being built.
The Borteyman Olympic site boasts modern sports infrastructure, including tennis courts and a swimming pool, reflecting Ghana’s dedication to hosting a successful and world-class sporting event.
