A lead convener of the #SaveGhanaFootball movement, Veronica Commey, has expressed frustration over the government’s neglect of sports development in Ghana, condemning the poor state of sports infrastructure and lack of investment in the sector. Speaking on the issue on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Commey accused politicians of having little to no interest in advancing sports, noting that the deteriorating condition of stadia and other underlying issues are clear signs of this disinterest.
“Politicians over time have shown that they have no interest in football; they have no interest in sports. “When they walk around town, they only hop on the euphoria of the Black Stars and decide to pump money in there and not into the development of football,” she noted. She emphasised that despite the passion for football and other sports in Ghana, the government has continually failed to prioritise the sector, leading to a decline in the performance of national teams and athletes.
The poor condition of stadiums, particularly the Baba Yara Stadium, Accra Sports Stadium, and Cape Coast Stadium, has become a symbol of this neglect. “When you listen to the current government, they are proudly touting everywhere that they have invested more in sports infrastructure than any previous government.
“I am sorry, but the AstroTurfs they build in communities were just emotional decisions. Why do I say this? If you go to the one at Madina or elsewhere, if you say it was just for the community or recreation, you are charging around 400 cedis for an hour and a half. How many people can afford that?
“Most of these teams, who would have loved to play their games there, find that the pitches do not meet the required standards.” Commey, through the #SaveGhanaFootball campaign, has been vocal about the need for urgent reforms and a greater focus on sports development in the country.
By: Joseph Ayinga-Walter