Let Department of Parks and Gardens handle, manage stadium pitches

Some officials inspecting the Accra Stadium pitch

Dear Editor,

Over the years, Ghanaians have complained about the lack of football pitches in the country because they felt they did not meet international standards in terms of quality.

Some are even of the view that the nature of our football pitches have affected the quality of play in our local league and not making it attractive for sponsors to come on board.

However, in 2008, when Ghana won the bid to host the African Cup of nations, many believed that it was a game-changer and a turn in fortunes for our football because new stadiums were built while already existing ones such as the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi, were renovated.

On a casual visit to the stadium, one observed the grass looking so green, which was pleasing to the eye. I also remember watching a match between Kotoko and Liberty at the Baba Yara Sports stadium a few months after the African Cup, and the quality of football was top-notch.

The maintenance of the pitches was entrusted to a company called Green Grass Technology.

Fourteen years after, the state of the stadiums is nothing to be proud of. Players of the Black Stars have expressed concerns about it while an official lost his job for allegedly hiring the stadium out.

As if that was not enough, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Ghana from playing its home matches at the Accra Sports Stadium due to its poor nature.

Following the ban, the National Sports Authority (NSA) closed down the stadium for rehabilitation works to take place. 

The stadium was recently opened for use. My worry is that why are we failing to maintain our pitches. One may argue that the cost of maintenance or getting it to meet international standards would be a problem.

If that is the case, then I am of the view that we should let the Department of Parks and Gardens under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to take care of our pitches by planting new green grass to replace those the old ones and also be responsible for the natural grass pitches across the country.

By so doing, we would save the country some money than giving the contract to individuals or companies who may not do a good work at the end.