Kofi Adams
MINISTER OF SPORTS and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has vowed to revive the Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region after describing its condition as unacceptable during an inspection tour on Friday, November 21.
The Buem MP visited the facility with the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to assess progress on rehabilitation works and the overall state of the complex.
Built for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, the 20,000-capacity stadium has not seen any major renovation in nearly two decades.
Large sections of the infrastructure are deteriorating, including the roofing, spectator stands, washrooms, lighting systems and technical areas. The stadium has also been without electricity for more than three years.
Mr. Adams expressed concern about the slow pace of ongoing rehabilitation under Phases I and II.
“Three years is far too long for such a critical national facility to remain in this state,” he said. While noting that some of the work is of good quality, he insisted the delays must be addressed.
He emphasised that Essipong remains a national asset of strategic importance. “Essipong is not just a Western Region issue; this is national infrastructure that must be brought back to life,” he said, adding that government is committed to accelerating the works so the facility can once again serve sporting, commercial and community needs.
Current rehabilitation works include reroofing with anti-rust materials, replacing damaged seats, refurbishing washrooms, upgrading lighting, installing a new scoreboard, improving ventilation and refitting corporate spaces.
Mr. Adams revealed that the Ministry is considering an expanded scope to fully revive the stadium, including upgrades to the pitch, dressing rooms, PA systems, hostels and other CAF-standard components.
The inspection also uncovered encroachment on stadium lands by private developers. Mr. Adams called on the Western Regional Coordinating Council and traditional leaders to act swiftly to protect the facility.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to rejuvenating sports infrastructure nationwide and said Essipong must be part of Ghana’s future sports ecosystem.
BY Wletsu Ransford