Accra Sports Stadium has engineering problems but cannot be demolished – Acting NSA chief

Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, has stated that demolishing the Accra Sports Stadium is not the immediate solution to the engineering issues plaguing the venue. While the stadium has faced scrutiny due to its deteriorating condition, leading to safety concerns, Prof Osei Sarpong emphasizes the need to first assess the extent of the problems.

He believes that either renovation or a complete reconstruction could be the best long-term option, but resolving all issues simultaneously is not feasible. The NSA is actively examining the stadium's structural challenges and exploring various solutions. Prof Osei Sarpong affirmed that the Accra Sports Stadium remains a valuable facility, despite the ongoing problems.

For now, the authority cannot tear down the structure. They plan to tackle the issues one at a time, aiming to address the majority of gaps before making a final decision. The Accra Sports Stadium is one of Ghana's key football venues, having hosted the Black Stars' Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Gambia last month.

Initially expected to stage Ghana's upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures against Somalia, the tournament is now likely to be held at the Essipong Stadium in the Western Region. Prof Osei Sarpong has also indicated that the necessary work is underway to seek clarification from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the proposed venue.