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
-
Ant smugglers caught with hundreds of prized insects in Kenya
2 hours -
Couple arrested for breeding exotic cats in Spain
2 hours -
Harvard rejects Trump administration’s sweeping demands for change
3 hours -
Palestinian student activist arrested at US citizenship interview
3 hours -
Semenyo strike gives Bournemouth win over Fulham
3 hours -
Latif Iddrisu vs IGP: ‘You were not referred for advanced medical attention’ — AG tells journalist
3 hours -
Modric becomes Swansea ‘investor and co-owner’
3 hours -
Villa can write themselves into history – Emery
4 hours -
Newcastle boss Howe recovering from pneumonia
4 hours -
Richard Kwabena Asare: Driving Ghana’s economic growth through public sector financing
4 hours -
We don’t want Ahafo North to be like Obuasi, Tarkwa – Parliament Committee to Newmont
4 hours -
Newmont Ghana Gold Limited pays GH₵9.4bn in taxes for 2024
4 hours -
Damanag lease extension: We continue to seek ongoing engagement with government – Gold Fields
5 hours -
Kumasi Metro CEO talks tough in building city on foundation of discipline
5 hours -
3 schools qualify for grand finale of Luv FM Primary Schools Quiz
5 hours