Afroturfs aren't that important; focus on renovating the decaying national stadia — Coach Opeele tells Akufo-Addo

Ghanaian football coach Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to prioritize the rehabilitation of decaying national stadia over constructing artificial turfs across the country.

Coach Opele Boateng's call comes after President Akufo-Addo disclosed plans to construct 100 artificial turfs before the end of this year.

“We expect to construct ano 100 astroturfs before the end of this year,” the President said after commissioning Borteyman sports complex on Tuesday, February 13.

However, Coach Opeele Boateng believes priority should be given to revamping Ghana's dilapidated stadium infrastructure.

“Please someone should inform the president that the ASTRO TURF is not important for Ghana Football. The stadiums are in decaying condition and that is what top-level Football needs,” he wrote on X.

Some of Ghana's national stadia such as the Cape Coast Stadium, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium at Tamale and Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi are in dire need of rehabilitation.

Seats are broken, water leaks during rains, and grass pitches are poorly maintained.

The situation is no different at the Accra Sports Stadium, which is known for hosting several non-sporting activities during festive seasons.

Decades of what many describe as poor management culture has left it dilapidated with broken seats, cracked walls and leaks whenever it rains.