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
Clubs must be proactive to prevent violence at home grounds
Dear Editor,
The recent disturbances during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday, February 2 in Nsoatre in the Bono region, which tragically resulted in the death of a dedicated supporter of Kotoko, have revealed the deep security issues affecting the growth of Ghana football.
The incident reveals the increasing lawlessness and violent behaviour of some football fans during and after games, the lack of proper security measures in place, and the failure to address violence in Ghanaian football.
Football is meant to unite, inspire, and entertain, not to claim lives. The loss of Francis Yaw Frimpong, aka Nana Pooley, is something that should never have happened, and justice must be served.
The Ghana Police Service has taken bold and expected steps by arresting suspects, but this should only be the beginning of a huge effort in eradicating football-related violence across the country.
Also, clubs should be held accountable for their actions and ensure proper measures to keep their venues security-ready and safe.
Strict punishments must be meted to people who involve themselves in football-related violence. Those found guilty of inciting or participating in hooliganism should face lifetime bans from venues with heavy fines and criminal prosecution.
To act as a deterrent, clubs whose supporters commit violent crimes should also be subject to severe sanctions, such as fines and point deductions. Additionally, campaigns for education and awareness must be planned in order to inform supporters who act ignorantly due to emotion and a lack of knowledge about the repercussions.
Finally, in order to stop additional harm, everyone should have access to better compensation and support for referees and players. Dissatisfaction with refereeing calls or unfavourable match conditions are the primary causes of violent events. Some of these conflicts can be avoided by making sure referees are properly protected, rewarded, and trained. Players, too, need to feel safe when stepping onto the pitch, knowing that their careers and lives are not at risk.
This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for all football lovers and demand concrete actions to be taken to prevent more violence and the possible collapse of our domestic league and damage to Ghana’s football reputation. The GFA, clubs, security agencies, and fans must come together to fight this cancer, which is almost taking over our game.
Enoch Ntiamoah,
Nkawkaw
Editorial
Our MPs must show good character
Dear Editor,
I am one of the many Ghanaians that got disappointed over recent happenings in Ghana’s legislative house, Parliament.
It is a house of ‘Honourables’ and on paper, nothing can erase that or take that away from them.
However, they have a lot of work to do if they want Ghanaians to maintain that high respect and regard we have for them.
The behaviour of the Members of Parliament, especially those on the minority NPP at the Vetting Committee left Ghanaians so disappointed in them.
It looks funny sometimes watching how they shoved each other and destroy tables and microphones, properties acquired with the taxpayers money. Clearly, they don’t care how our resources were spent but that is a duty.
Despite the apologies offered, I think members involved in the fracas must wholeheartedly accept responsibility for their actions and together pay for the properties destroyed. For me, that will serve as true remorse.
Sammy Morgan,
Okaikwei