The Ministry of Youth and Sports has refuted claims made by Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the renovations at various national stadiums. Ablakwa recently released documents suggesting that GH¢85 million had been spent on rehabilitating three national stadiums: Accra, Kumasi, and Essipong.
His revelations come at a time when Ghana is facing challenges in securing an international standard stadium capable of hosting matches involving the Black Stars, following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) revocation of the suitability of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports criticized Ablakwa’s publication, asserting that it aimed to mislead the public about the alleged wastage of national resources in the renovations of these stadiums.
“Recent social media publications by the Hon. Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have alleged wastage of national resources by the government in renovating national stadia,” the statement read. It further noted that the MP’s claims suggested that the funds had been disbursed without corresponding work being completed, especially following recent issues with the pitch at Baba Yara Stadium.
To address these allegations, the Ministry provided a detailed scope of work completed at the Accra, Baba Yara, and Essipong stadiums since 2018. They highlighted that the Accra Sports Stadium underwent three phases of renovations following a contract awarded to Messrs Company Construction Limited. The renovation works included the re-roofing of the VIP area, replacement of damaged steel, blasting, and dehumidification of the metal roofing, among other essential improvements.
The Ministry emphasized that these renovations were necessary to enhance the facilities and maintain standards suitable for hosting national and international events.
