Ghanaians have urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to prioritize the maintenance of the Accra Sports Stadium following its recent refurbishment to successfully host Ghana’s AFCON qualifier with Sudan on Thursday, October 10.
Following CAF’s decision to withdraw approval for the use of the Baba Yara Stadium, Ghana was directed to choose a stadium outside the country for its match with Sudan but the Ministry and the NSA worked round the clock to bring the Accra Sports Stadium up to acceptable stadium in a manner that has earned the praise of Ghanaians.
The pitch, which was previously in bad shape, has been completely transformed and other key features of the stadium such as the substitute’s bench, dressing rooms, washrooms, media centre and others have also received significant refurbishments.
Fans are now urging the Ministry to ensure the stadium does not deteriorate again to put Ghana in another tight situation.
“We should not have been here in the first place but kudos to the Sports Ministry for their efforts on completely transforming the place. Maintenance has been our bane, so the Ministry and the NSA have to be on top of their game to ensure the new facelift is at least maintained”, Seth, a spectator, said.
Edward Boateng, a journalist, also called for a ban on using the stadium for non-Sporting activities.
“I have never understood why the NSA give out the stadium for non-Sporting use which ends up destroying the park, only for them to spend money and time fixing it. It doesn’t make sense, so this should not happen again.”
Another fan named Enock Addai stated “I am happy the Accra Sports Stadium has seen this transformation. The Ministry should direct the NSA to have a zero tolerance for renting the field out”.
Enock urged the Ministry and the NSA to get the BABA Yara Stadium back in shape for local and international games.
Ghana will play its next home match in November and it will require another approval from CAF as the Accra Sports Stadium received one-match approval following CAF’s inspection of the stadium.
With no complaints from both sides about the pitch and other facilities, it appears the the Accra Sports Stadium will be used to host November’s crucial match against Niger.
Source:peacefmonline.com