The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Kobla Mensah Woyome has expressed deep frustration and disappointment following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to withdraw its approval for the use of Baba Yara Stadium for Black Stars matches.
Hon. Woyome, who is also the Member of Parliament for South Tongu, called for a comprehensive investigation into the failure of the National Sports Authority (NSA) to properly maintain key sporting infrastructure in the country, especially the Baba Yara Stadium.
In his critique of the situation, Hon. Woyome emphasized the failure of those responsible for maintaining the stadium and other sports facilities, questioning the efficiency of renovation projects that were previously commissioned.
“We had already taken steps to meet as a committee on the 23rd of September to address other matters referred to us by the Speaker. Now, with this unfortunate development, we will also delve into the failed renovations of the Baba Yara Stadium”.
Hon. Kobla Mensah Woyome, South Tongu MP and the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports
Investigations of Renovated Works
The South Tongu MP highlighted two key areas the Select Committee will probe. First, he noted the need for an in-depth examination of those contracted to undertake renovation works on the stadium.
“We want to know what exactly was done, the scope of work, and how much was paid for these renovations. If the job had been done properly, we wouldn’t be in this situation”.
Hon. Kobla Mensah Woyome, South Tongu MP and the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports
Secondly, he underscored the urgent need for a “rescue event” to find an alternative venue that meets international standards for hosting matches to avert the impending embarrassment to the country.
Hon. Woyome expressed deep concern about the nation’s dwindling reputation, criticizing the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their role in the crisis.
“I just heard that they are considering the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as well as Accra Sports Stadium. I only hope that these venues meet the required standards.
“It is a shame that Ghana has found itself in this situation. We should bow our heads in shame, particularly the NSA, the Ministry, and everyone involved. It’s sad that in the history of this country, we are facing such an avoidable situation”.
Hon. Kobla Mensah Woyome, South Tongu MP and the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports
Hon. Woyome pointed out the politically motivated decisions that had contributed to the failure of infrastructure maintenance, adding that the committee will scrutinize how contracts for stadium renovations were awarded.
Government’s Misplaced Priorities
In a related statement, Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, echoed Hon. Woyome’s sentiments, pointing out the government’s financial mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
In a scathing statement, Mr Cudjoe ridiculed the government for failing to allocate a mere $250,000 to fix a football pitch while misusing millions on unnecessary expenditures.
“The government claims it spent $15 million to feed about 200 African athletes for a month and $4.5 million on printing photo ID cards for 150 journalists, while much of these sums were stolen”.
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President, IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
He expressed dismay that despite these lavish expenditures, the government couldn’t find $250,000, a fraction of what was required, to repair the Baba Yara Stadium, leading to Ghana’s ban from hosting international football matches.
“What hurts the most is that the government couldn’t find just $250,000 to fix one football pitch, hence the FIFA ban on Ghana from ever hosting any international soccer match,” he stated, highlighting the devastating impact of such neglect on the nation’s international football aspirations.
Mr Cudjoe further condemned the government for the broader damage it has caused to the nation, accusing it of damaging the country’s economy beyond recognition, poisoning its rivers, scorching the earth, and rendering nearly a million people hungry, wretched, and hopeless.
“Now, you take away football, the little joy we look up to. You are truly special,” he concluded sarcastically.
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