A call for accountability, reform, and a new beginning for Ghana’s sports sector

In light of the recent developments surrounding the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to withdraw Ghana’s approval to host international matches due to the poor state of our national stadiums, I stand deeply embarrassed and outraged as a patriotic Ghanaian. This decision by CAF, triggered by the unsuitable playing conditions at the Baba Yara Stadium and other major stadia across the country, highlights the chronic neglect, corruption, and inefficiency that have become synonymous with the leadership under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

Despite the allocation of over GHS85 million in taxpayer funds for the rehabilitation of the Accra Sports Stadium, Essipong Stadium, and Baba Yara Stadium, these venues remain in deplorable conditions, leading to Ghana’s current international disgrace. This monumental embarrassment could have been avoided had the contracts awarded to politically exposed individuals, such as Kelvin Ofori-Atta, a relative of the President and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, been executed properly. Instead, what we witness is a blatant abuse of public funds for personal gain under the guise of stadium rehabilitation.

A Corrupt System Exposed
The contracts awarded to Cisdan Company Limited and Coupbay Ghana Limited, both linked to the Ofori-Atta family, were meant to restore our national pride in sports. Yet, the state of these stadiums clearly shows that no meaningful work was done. For instance:

- The GHS41.9 million spent on Essipong (Sekondi) Stadium remains unaccounted for, despite the issuance of multiple interim payments.

- The GHS22.4 million allocated for the Accra Sports Stadium renovation under Coupbay Ghana Limited has produced no visible results, with the stadium still in disrepair.

It is unacceptable that such colossal sums of money have been squandered without proper oversight or accountability. What is more disappointing is that the Baba Yara Stadium, after receiving GHS21.1 million for renovations, now stands as a symbol of this government's incompetence and corruption. This is not just a failure to maintain a stadium—it is a failure to uphold national integrity.

Repeated Failures in the Sports Ministry

This is not the first time that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has brought shame upon our nation. We remember the infamous Australia Visa Scandal, where 50 supposed journalists from Ghana were deported for attempting to enter Australia under false pretenses during the Olympic Games. This scandal, involving high-ranking officials in the Sports Ministry, further tarnished Ghana’s reputation on the international stage.

With these repeated incidents of gross mismanagement, it is clear that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has become a hotbed of corruption and inefficiency. The leadership of the Ministry has failed Ghanaian citizens, athletes, and the international community. It is time for the President to take decisive action.

A Call to the President
Mr. President, it is time to act in the interest of the Ghanaian people. I call on you to immediately:

1. Sack the Minister of Youth and Sports and all individuals implicated in the misuse of public funds meant for the rehabilitation of our national stadia.

2. Launch a full-scale investigation into the contracts awarded for the renovations, retrieve all misappropriated funds, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

3. Ensure the immediate renovation of our stadiums by engaging competent and transparent contractors who will deliver quality work and restore Ghana’s ability to host international matches.

The Path Forward: The NDC and John Dramani Mahama

As we approach the December 7th General Elections, it is abundantly clear that the Bawumia/Akufo-Addo-led government has failed Ghana. The rampant corruption and mismanagement within the sports ministry, as well as other sectors, cannot be allowed to continue. The only way to save our nation from further disgrace and embarrassment is by voting them out and bringing back John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NDC has a traceable and palpable track record in the sports industry. Under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, we saw massive improvements in sports infrastructure. During the Mahama administration, all our CAF and World Cup matches were played in our home country without any embarrassment, unlike the situation we see today under the Bawumia/Akufo-Addo NPP government.

I urge my fellow Ghanaians to take this moment seriously. The international disgrace and continuous corruption under this government are unforgivable. We cannot afford to entertain another term of incompetence and scandal. It is time to bring back the NDC to reset our nation and redeem our international reputation.

Conclusion: A State of Emergency
This is not just a political call—it is a state of emergency for all Ghanaians. Let us come together as one people to rescue our nation from the grip of corruption and mismanagement. The time is now, and our choice is clear. Let’s vote to restore Ghana’s dignity.

…… Signed…………..

Joel Samuel Ndede
A Patriotic Citizen of Ghana