Ghana's sports chief rules out immediate demolition of the ageing Accra Sports Stadium, promising a step-by-step fix while rebuild options are weighed.
Across Africa, ageing stadiums are straining under the weight of neglect, and Ghana's Accra Sports Stadium is the latest high-profile case. The acting Director General of the National Sports Authority, Prof Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, has made clear that bulldozing the famous venue is not on the table right now.
The stadium has faced heavy scrutiny over its worsening condition, with safety fears fueling louder calls for a full demolition and rebuild. Prof Osei Sarpong admits there are engineering problems and says they are being examined, but he insists the authorities cannot fix everything in one go.
His message is about sequence. Before anyone decides between renovating the existing structure and building a brand-new arena, officials must first assess the faults and weigh the available options. In his view, the Accra Sports Stadium remains a very good facility that deserves careful attention rather than a rushed verdict.
In the meantime, the plan is to tackle the shortcomings one after another, closing the gaps gradually until most of the major issues are resolved. Whether that patient approach satisfies fans and stakeholders worried about safety remains to be seen, but for now the home of so many big Ghanaian football moments stays standing.
