Editorial
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.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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