Audio By Carbonatix
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has promised to give “200%” to ensure the maintenance of various national facilities across the country.
Parliament approved 65 million cedis for the Sports Ministry, but with meager resources available for the upkeep of infrastructure.
Former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul raised the alarm that “not even 10 million cedis [was given] to at least take care of the pitches” and that “capital injection” is needed to avoid facility deterioration.
In an exclusive interview with JoySports, the NSA Director-General admitted that the resources available are “not much,” but the body remains determined to execute its job.
"Much has not been given but more is expected so we are not under any illusion as to the task ahead and I think that is where the challenge is positive," Ampofo Ankrah said.
"We need to think outside the box, we need to be innovative in the way we try to bring in funding, resources, expertise, technicalities and we did it with the first game [Ghana vs Chad].
"I think we are going to make a mark. I am very excited to be here at this time and what I can assure is that we will give 200%. We can't give a 100% because that might not be enough. We need to double our efforts and that is exactly what we intend to do."
Renting out national stadiums has become the NSA's primary source of income in recent years, but the practice has proven counterproductive, as the facilities are often left in a deplorable state.
In July 2024, the Baba Yara Stadium was rented out for a five-day 'Kumuyi' Church program, which left the pitch in poor condition ahead of Ghana's clash against Angola in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
It led to CAF revoking the stadium’s license to host international matches.
Latest Stories
-
Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame to celebrate top executives at 11th induction ceremony
1 minute -
Manasseh Azure Awuni: Who captured and sold the slaves?
35 minutes -
Ramadan Cup: Hosts Madina beat Ashiaman to win 11th edition
36 minutes -
Dumsor looms? Energy sector insiders allege gas supply challenges lead to shedding of nearly 200MW daily
1 hour -
Mahama hails UN Slavery Resolution as historic breakthrough, says fight for reparatory justice has just begun
1 hour -
Ghana faces risk of dual commodity shock as gold market volatility deepens – BoG Governor warns
1 hour -
Ghana’s future hinges on active citizenship, not partisanship – Sulemana Braimah
2 hours -
Chief of Staff urges deeper integration to harness AfCFTA opportunities
2 hours -
No tomato shortage despite Burkina Faso ban – Agric Minister assures public
2 hours -
Unilever Ghana launches recycling initiative, transforms used toothpaste tubes into school furniture
2 hours -
IEA warns levy reduction could undermine natural resource benefits
2 hours -
Gov’t signs Service Level Agreement to enforce electronic payments, phase out manual cheques
2 hours -
BoG Governor sees opportunity in Burkina Faso tomato export ban
2 hours -
NAIMOS seeks stronger public support in galamsey fight
2 hours -
World Bank MD reaffirms support for jobs, education, private sector growth
2 hours
