With just seven weeks until Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the state of the Accra Sports Stadium’s Presidential entrance has raised concerns as it has turned into a dumping site. The Black Stars are set to host Chad in their first home match, but the facility, which hosted Ghana’s last competitive game, is showing significant signs of neglect.
A JoySports inspection revealed that while the pitch is in good condition and ready for matches, other areas of the stadium are far from suitable for hosting officials, guests, and spectators.
The Presidential entrance pathway is cluttered with piles of faulty machines, broken plastic chairs, refrigerators, tables, and other waste. This state of disrepair extends to critical infrastructure within the stadium.
The water supply and electricity room are in dire condition, with exposed wires, poor lighting, and even a dug-out hole in a small room. Similarly, the area around the scoreboard light is filled with trash and has been damaged by holes created by rats.
Structural concerns are also evident, as cracks in the facility suggest significant weakening. The washrooms are poorly maintained, emitting a foul odor that makes them unfit for use.
Office spaces, including the Head of the Technical Department’s office, are equally neglected, with disconnected electricity, damaged ceilings, broken tiles, and general disrepair.
The situation has drawn the attention of the Ghana Project Monitoring Group (GPMG), a dedicated organization that focuses on highlighting and addressing faulty and abandoned projects nationwide.
“Our goal is to draw the attention of the authorities and the government to the current state of the stadium and work towards a solution,” said Ernest Banama, a GPMG member, in an interview with JoySports. “We’re not just here to report the issue—we are also taking action with our own hands while hoping for government support.”
The Accra Sports Stadium, fondly known as the nation’s Wembley, underwent an extensive renovation costing GH¢12.5 million ahead of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this significant investment, the current state of the facility raises questions about its maintenance and readiness to host international matches.
SOURCE: Haruna Mubarak
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