President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed Dodzie Numekevor, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following issues related to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. This decision comes after CAF revoked the stadium’s license for hosting international matches, partly due to its use for a six-day church event before an AFCON 2025 qualifier against Angola.
President Akufo-Addo reportedly demanded accountability, ordering the Sports Minister to ensure Ghana’s home matches are played locally and not abroad. The Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, through Chief Director William Kartay Caesar, had queried Numekevor over the embarrassment caused to the country.
Despite Numekevor’s closure of Baba Yara, Accra, and Cape Coast stadia for maintenance in response to deteriorating conditions, his leadership failed to address growing concerns. CAF recommended significant improvements to these facilities in a letter to the Ghana Football Association, prompting Ghana to consider playing the upcoming AFCON qualifiers outside the country, possibly in Togo.
Numekevor, appointed interim Director General in February 2024, succeeded Professor Peter Twumasi, who had held the position for six years.
Ghanaian businesses will miss out on business opportunities following the CAF ban. International football matches generate substantial business opportunities for various sectors. These include domestic air travel for teams and officials, land transport services for fans, hotel accommodations, catering, and professional services such as legal, medical, translation, and security. Local businesses also benefit from recreational activities and other economic ventures that thrive on match days. A large portion of the income generated from these activities stays within the country, supporting livelihoods and contributing to the local economy. However if Ghana plays its home games in another country, much of these business opportunities will be lost to the country.
