The embattled Finance Minister of Ghana revealed that some stadiums in his country, including the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, the Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium in Accra, and the Sekondi Sports Stadium in Essipong, were undergoing renovations.
Many Ghanaians, especially those in the Western Region who were aware of the stadium’s condition, didn’t take his declaration lightly after he made it.
Joe Ghartey, a representative representing the Essikado Ketan constituency, is one of them.
“I write with regard to the above. The Finance Minister in the Budget Statement delivered on Wednesday, 17 November, 2021 stated that the rehabilitation works on the Essipong stadium is 90% completed.
“My checks reveal otherwise. As Member of Parliament for the area, I would be grateful if you could furnish me with the update of the said project, which is located in my constituency.
“Furthermore, if the information given is inaccurate, please furnish the Finance Minister with the accurate information to enable him advise himself accordingly. The project is of great interest to me and my constituents. Counting on your usual cooperation.” He wrote in a letter.
An inspection of the stadium two years after the announcements revealed that it is in a troubling state, being on the verge of destruction. What we witnessed was merely ugly.
The stadium’s exterior ceilings are falling off and some sections have been entirely torn off. Bathroom conditions are declining. Nothing seemed to indicate a well-kept stadium. Simply said, the entire area is a complete disaster.
But in terms of the shock it causes you, what one sees outside is even tolerable. One is probably in for the shock of a lifetime once inside the institution.
