Editorial
Make Ghana’s stadiums sources of pride, not embarrassment
The state of Ghana’s sports stadium
Dear Editor,
In the heart of Accra, on a day when excitement should have filled the air, there was instead a hushed disappointment. The Black Stars of Ghana, a symbol of national pride, took to the field for an international friendly with Liberia at the Accra Sports Stadium. But the talk of the town was not about the match or the goals scored; it was about the deplorable state of the pitch.
On that fateful September 12, 2023, there was a downpour, and the stadium’s field paid the price. The pitch, once very lush and green, had deteriorated into a sorry state, affecting the flow and beauty of the game. A game that should have been a celebration of talent and teamwork was marred by the poor condition of the playing surface.
Adding to the frustration was the recent statement by the former coach of the Black Stars, Claude Le Roy who lamented that, in his two decades of coaching in Africa, Ghana’s pitches were the worst he’s encountered. It is a sad revelation for a nation that prides itself on its footballing prowess.
But this is not just about football; it is about a fundamental issue – the need for professional facility management. Stadiums like the Accra Sports Stadium should be showcasing excellence, not symbols of neglect. When we prioritise facility management, we invest in the very essence of our national identity.
Imagine a scenario where trained professionals oversee the maintenance of our sports facilities. A team of experts ensuring the pitch is impeccable, the seats are comfortable, and the facilities are top-notch. This is not a dream; it is a standard that many nations uphold.
Professional facility managers bring efficiency, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. They understand the importance of regular maintenance, the value of timely repairs, and the significance of creating a welcoming environment for fans and athletes alike.
As we reflect on the disappointment of that rainy September day, let it serve as a wake-up call. Ghana’s stadiums should be sources of pride, not embarrassment.
It is time to invest in the professionals who can turn these venues into world-class facilities. Let us call for the appointment of trained Facility Managers to oversee our stadiums, beginning with the Accra Sports Stadium.
Only then can we ensure that every match, every event, and every visit is an experience of excellence, befitting our nation’s rich sporting heritage.
Prince Botwe, Accra
Editorial
Let’s make peace priority as we vote on December 7
The long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections are finally here, and the most crucial thing we require is peace during and after the elections.
It is a must for Ghanaians to uphold peace, a state of tranquility devoid of conflict or disruption in this election.
In order to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, a number of institutions and organisations, including the Peace Council, the media, non-governmental organisations, and religious groups, have sent out messages of peace in the run-up to the polls.
The Spectator continues to spread the message of peace as we urge the electorate to make peace a priority in the electoral process to elect a President and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Every voter should be able to exercise their right to vote without any form of compulsion, as Ghanaians are members of multiple political parties and are free to select the candidate of their choice.
After all, voting is about exercising your right to vote, which should be done quietly and peacefully, not about insulting and fighting. We should therefore be mindful of the fact that Ghana belongs to all of us.
Remember your vote is secret and to prevent any confrontation after exercising your franchise go home and pray. Do not post anything on social media that will cause people to react negatively.
Ghana has long been a peaceful nation and a symbol of democracy in Africa; we must preserve this stability and peace.
We must be careful with what we say to avoid provoking anger that could turn violent.
The Spectator urges the security agencies to be tolerant and professional as they discharge their duties. In the same vein, officials of the Electoral Commission should do effective monitoring of the electoral process and swiftly provide the necessary logistics required to enable voting.
We urge all political parties and their supporters to adhere to the nation’s laws and regulations. The media should be circumspect in their reportage and provide accurate and balanced reporting.
Our prayer is that Ghana will emerge victorious at the end of the elections. To achieve this let us endeavour to uphold peace.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.
Editorial
Demolition of structures at flower pot interchange a good move
Dear Editor,
I will like to commend the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Titus Glover for the bold step to destroy structures, including wooden tables and chairs set up by hawkers at the flower pot interchange which was recently commissioned by President Akufo-Addo.
Most of the hawkers and sellers expressed their displeasure about the action of the minister, while some have argued that the government has failed to get them a place to sell as promised.
Though they may have a point of not having a place to sell, I don’t think such an excuse should be the reason for them to be selling at the place.
We all remember the joy the commissioning of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange Overpass by former President John Dramani Mahama brought. The project looked so beautiful, especially in the night, when the lights illuminated the entire place.
Today, the story is different. The place look so dirty with hawkers, physically challenged people and drug addicts turning every space into their humble abode.
Some even go to the extent of taking their bath there. Anytime I pass by the place to the Circle lorry station, the stench from urine that emanates makes me feel sad.
With this, I think it is about time city managers, including the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, take drastic steps in ensuring that hawkers and sellers at unauthorised places are evacuated.
What I have also come to realise is that officials of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, feel relaxed to take the necessary action in evacuating these hawkers from the unauthorised places.
We need to start going hard at some of these hawkers and vendors who sell at unauthorised places. We need to keep the capital city clean at all times.
It is in this vein that I congratulate the regional minister for taking the bold initiative of demolishing the structures at the flower pot interchange.
While I commend him, I will also urge the government to try as much as possible to find a place for them to sell their wares.
As citizens, we also need to change our attitude to ensure that the city is kept clean and neat.
Ella Akimbi,
Spintex
