The Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region, a major sporting facility constructed in 2008 for the Africa Cup of Nations, has fallen into severe disrepair.
This was revealed during an inspection tour by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, alongside the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
The 20,000-capacity stadium has not seen any significant rehabilitation since its construction, raising serious concerns about its current state and readiness to host major sporting events.
The initial rehabilitation plan—Phase I and II—was expected to include reroofing with anti-rust materials, seat replacement, refurbishment of washrooms, installation of air-conditioning systems, fitting of window sunglasses, upgrading the lighting system, and the installation of a new scoreboard.
However, the inspection revealed a major setback: private developers have encroached on the land surrounding the stadium.
Kofi Adams called on the Regional Coordinating Council and local chiefs to intervene immediately to resolve the land issues.
Beyond the initial upgrade works, additional plans are being considered to refurbish the playing pitch, improve the public-address system, enhance corporate boxes and hostel facilities, and upgrade security zones and dressing rooms not covered under the original contract.
These efforts aim to fully restore the stadium’s capacity to host sporting events.
Kofi Adams stressed the urgent need for funding to maintain and develop sports infrastructure nationwide.
He appealed to the media to support revenue-generation efforts through the National Sports Development Fund, reiterating the government’s commitment to prioritising the sports sector as reaffirmed by President John Dramani Mahama.
While acknowledging satisfaction with the quality of work done so far, the Minister expressed disappointment with the slow pace of progress. He emphasised the need to accelerate work to ensure the stadium becomes fully operational as soon as possible.
Kofi Adams assured that urgent steps would be taken to restore the Essipong Stadium, reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalising sports facilities across the country.
The Minister was accompanied by Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah, Michael Esoun (Director, F&A), and Mr Issah Mahami (Director, PPBME), all from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
