The newly appointed Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has emphasised that while his administration inherited significant challenges, he is not inclined to use them as a pretext for inaction.
Instead, he is committed to transparency and accountability, sharing the progress made within his first five weeks in office.
Mr. Ankrah noted that notable improvements have been undertaken at the Accra Sports Stadium. He cited enhancements to the playing pitch and better sanitation across the facility. “This is not a one-off exercise but a continuous process,” he remarked, signalling a long-term approach to infrastructure development.
He also acknowledged that some sections of the stadium’s stands are structurally compromised and pose safety risks for spectators. Following consultations with engineers and technical experts, it was advised that thorough inspections be conducted to assess the integrity of the affected areas.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, Mr. Ankrah revealed that he has reached out to the original engineers responsible for constructing the stadium. Their task will be to determine the necessary repairs, establish timelines, and provide cost estimates. He underscored that such a meticulous process is vital for ensuring the sustainability of the renovations.
Furthermore, he disclosed that before his assumption of office, a multi-million dollar contract had been awarded to a contractor by the previous administration for rehabilitation works. Although he has yet to obtain a copy of the contract, he questioned the quality of the work executed, citing rapid deterioration as either evidence of substandard execution or a failure to deliver on the scope of work.
Mr. Ankrah also conducted inspections at other major sports facilities, including the Sekondi Essipon, Tamale, and Kumasi stadia. He observed that the condition of these venues indicates that prior renovation efforts were poorly executed, adding that urgent interventions are required to restore them to acceptable standards.
By: Story by Nana Kwame Sika/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
