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
-
Dambai: Passengers reject ferry fare increment, threaten to protest on Monday
10 minutes -
‘If people cannot think beyond party, they should stop opening their mouths’ — Rev. Prof Mante warns
38 minutes -
The Silent Decay of the Last Mile: Can a GH¢3.46bn gamble save Ghana’s grid?
49 minutes -
Orbán steps down from Hungarian parliament after landslide defeat
1 hour -
Trump said RFK Jr could run ‘wild’ with health policy. Instead he’s reined him in
1 hour -
Netanyahu orders army to ‘vigorously attack’ Hezbollah in Lebanon
1 hour -
Colombia president says rebels behind highway bombing that killed 14 people
1 hour -
‘We’re not afraid of anybody’- Rev. Prof Mante fumes over attack on clergyman for galamsey comment
2 hours -
The eerie abandoned vehicles in Chernobyl’s ‘dead zone’
2 hours -
Fire guts District Magistrate Court ‘B’ in Sunyani
2 hours -
Power outages hit Ashanti, Central regions after Akosombo Substation fire
2 hours -
Chornobyl – An explosion that has lasted 40 years
3 hours -
Hitz FM hosts maiden edition of ‘My Hustle’ to empower young entrepreneurs
3 hours -
Founding UGMC CEO Dr Osei reveals how his life transformed after living with his soldier uncle
3 hours -
Suspect in custody after shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
5 hours