Kwadwo Baah-Agyemang slams Ghana’s poor stadium maintenance culture and sports funding approach

Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Kwadwo Baah-Agyemang has criticised the government’s approach to financing sports infrastructure, warning that the continued neglect of maintenance is affecting the growth of football in Ghana.

His comments follow concerns raised by current NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah about the deteriorating state of some of the country’s major stadiums ahead of preparations to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking on Asempa FM, Baah-Agyemang said the situation came as no surprise, insisting that Ghana has developed a poor culture of maintaining its sporting facilities.

“I have reiterated that Ghana has a poor attitude towards stadium maintenance, which affects the progress of our football,” he said.

The former NSA chief also took aim at the government’s handling of sports-related projects, arguing that inadequate funding has consistently undermined efforts to organise major competitions and improve facilities.

According to Baah-Agyemang, the challenges witnessed during the recently organised African Athletics Championship were a result of poor financial commitment from authorities.

“Government recently hosted the African Athletics Championship, which its poorly planned organisation embarrassed the country. It was all due to funding. Government is not prepared to commit money to the projects,” he added.

Ghana is set to host the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as part of activities marking the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations, with preparations expected to intensify as authorities work to ensure the venues meet the required standards.