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
-
AI gains can lift three times as many people out of poverty in Ghana – World Bank
22 minutes -
Police arrest suspect over jewellery theft during fire outbreak
3 hours -
EOCO returns Hanan’s £6,700, GH¢2,750 and devices after defence challenge
3 hours -
Opplift Youth Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 equips entrepreneurs with skills, mentorship and support
3 hours -
Rival clubs want range of punishments for Man City
3 hours -
Tear gas in Paris and Marseille as school protests grow across France
3 hours -
Kane inspires England to win over Czech Republic in UEFA Nations League
4 hours -
Finland orders halt to work on two Google data centres
4 hours -
Substitute Merino scores twice as Spain win in Croatia
4 hours -
Ronaldo wants Portugal ‘punishment’ but not retiring
4 hours -
White House defends Trump comment to let Iran ‘take out’ LA and San Diego
4 hours -
Asos confirms hackers sent ‘unauthorised’ notification to app users
4 hours -
US televangelist Jim Bakker, disgraced from sex scandal and fraud, dies at 86
4 hours -
Congolese-born golfer to represent Ghana at Turkish Airlines World Cup grand final
4 hours -
Amazon wins global rights to stream Emmys in six-year deal
4 hours