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
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
News1 week ago“We are working to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an international conference hub”
- News1 week ago
Kwahu Business Forum:My engagement with President Mahama has boosted my business — Lydia Forson
- News1 week ago
DeniiNoi Foundation Supports Taifa Polyclinic with Medical Equipment
